Method and user equipment (ue) for provisioning minimum system information (msi) in wireless communication system

ABSTRACT

Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a method for provisioning Minimum System Information (MSI) for User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. The method includes decoding Primary Broadcast Channel (PBCH) to acquire a first Master Information Block (MIB) periodically transmitted by base station. Further, the method includes determining to perform one of bar a cell from which the first MIB is acquired for a pre-determined period of time and acquire second MIB transmitted on Secondary Broadcast Channel (SBCH) by base station based on cell barring indication received in the first MIB. Furthermore, the method includes transmitting a request message to the base station to obtain at least one SI block of the OSI. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a list of system configuration indexes (SCIs) and corresponding configuration of SI blocks, from the base station based on SI storage capability of the UE indicated to the base station.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of anIndian Provisional patent application filed on Nov. 4, 2016, in theIndian Patent Office and assigned Serial number 201641037672, and of anIndian Complete patent application filed on Nov. 2, 2017, in the IndianPatent Office and assigned Serial number 201641037672, the entiredisclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5Gcommunication system being developed to meet the growing demand for highspeed data services, support ultra-reliability and low latencyapplications and support massive machine type communication beyond4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution(LTE).

In order to meet the demand of exponentially increasing data traffic andnew services, efforts are being made to develop an improved 5G or pre-5Gcommunication system. Therefore, the 5G or pre-5G communication systemis also called a ‘Beyond 4G Network’ or a ‘Post LTE System’ or ‘Nextgeneration of International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT)-Advanced’ orIMT-2020 system.

The 5G communication system is expected to operate not only in lowerfrequency bands e.g. 700 MHz to 6 GHz but also operate in higherfrequency (mmWave) bands, e.g. 10 GHz to 100 GHz bands, so as toaccomplish higher data rates. In order to mitigate propagation loss ofthe radio waves and increase the transmission distance, the beamforming,massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Full Dimensional MIMO(FD-MIMO), array antenna, an analog beam forming, large scale antennatechniques are discussed in the 5G communication system.

In addition, in 5G communication systems, development for system networkimprovement is under way based on advanced small cells, cloud RadioAccess Networks (RANs), ultra-dense networks, Device-to-Device (D2D)communication, wireless backhaul, moving network based on mobile relay,cooperative communication, Coordinated Multi-Points (CoMP),reception-end interference cancellation and the like.

In the 5G communication system, Hybrid FSK and QAM Modulation (FQAM) andSliding Window Superposition Coding (SWSC) as an Advanced CodingModulation (ACM), and Filter Bank Multi Carrier (FBMC), Non-OrthogonalMultiple Access (NOMA), and Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA) as anadvanced access technology have been developed.

In addition, the next generation wireless system is expected to addressdifferent use cases having quite different requirements in terms of datarate, latency, reliability, mobility etc. However, it is expected thatthe design of the air-interface of the next generation would be flexibleenough to serve the UEs having quite different capabilities depending onthe use case and market segment the UE cater service to the endcustomer. Few example use cases the next generation wireless system isexpected to address is enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), massive MachineType Communication (m-MTC), ultra-reliable low latency communication(URLL) etc. The eMBB requirements like tens of Gbps data rate, lowlatency, high mobility so on and so forth address the market segmentrepresenting the conventional wireless broadband subscribers needinginternet connectivity everywhere, all the time and on the go. The m-MTCrequirements like very high connection density, infrequent datatransmission, very long battery life, low mobility address so on and soforth address the market segment representing the Internet of Things(IoT)/Internet of Everything (IoE) envisioning connectivity of billionsof devices. The URLL requirements like very low latency, very highreliability and variable mobility so on and so forth address the marketsegment representing the Industrial automation application,vehicle-to-vehicle/vehicle-to-infrastructure communication foreseen asone of the enabler for an autonomous vehicle.

Further, a physical layer of wireless cellular system in both Downlink(DL) and Uplink (UL) operating in mmWave/cmWave would be based on newair-interface different from that of IMT-Advanced air-interface to meetthe challenging requirements and providing enhanced mobile broadbanduser experience. Next generation IMT-Advanced wireless cellular systemis expected to deliver several 100 Mbps to a few tens of Gbps userexperienced data rates in comparison to wireless systems based onIMT-Advanced. These very high data rates need to be availableubiquitously across the coverage area.

Further, apart from user experienced data rates next generation ofwireless cellular system is expected to deliver on other requirementslike peak data rate (few 10 of Gbps), reduced latency (down to 1 ms),better spectral efficiency compared to IMT-Advanced system and manyother requirements. The next generation of wireless cellular system isforeseen to be deployed in higher frequency bands above 6 GHz (e.g. 10GHz˜100 GHz, also called mmWave and/or cmWave) due to availability oflarge amount of spectrum bandwidths. In the initial phase of deploymentnext generation of wireless cellular system is expected to be deployedin lower frequency bands below 6 GHz using spectrum farming techniques.

Further, one of the requirements for next generation RAT is energyefficiency; so the design of system information provisioning needs toaddress the energy efficiency requirement to minimize always ON periodicbroadcast. Another aspect related to broadcasting of system informationis high signaling overhead in the context of NR operation in higherfrequency bands (above 6 GHz) where DL beam sweeping operation isinevitable to reach the coverage area of the cell. Broadcasting all thesystem information on the coverage beams which are subject to DL beamsweeping may lead to excessive signaling overhead. Therefore, anotherdesign criterion for system information provisioning needs to addressthe signaling overhead aspect.

Another aspect related to broadcasting of system information using DLbeam sweeping is restrictive and inflexible scheduling. The transmissionresources remaining after resources consumed by system information maybe only used for data scheduling for a user in the direction of the DLcoverage beam. Therefore, if more time/frequency resources are consumedby system information then user data scheduling becomes restrictive andinflexible. For the sake of illustration of disclosed methods foracquisition of system information by a User Equipment (UE) on demand itis assumed the air-interface of next generation wireless cellular systemwould be based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple-access (OFDMA)Radio Access Technology (RAT) in DL and UL. However the numerology (i.e.OFDM symbol duration, carrier spacing etc) of next generation RAT can bedifferent from the OFDMA numerology of IMT-Advanced system.

The above information is presented as background information only tohelp the reader to understand the present invention. Applicants havemade no determination and make no assertion as to whether any of theabove might be applicable as prior art with regard to the presentapplication.

OBJECT OF INVENTION

The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a methodand a User Equipment (UE) for provisioning Minimum System Information(MSI) in a wireless communication system.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to decode a PrimaryBroadcast Channel (PBCH) to acquire a first Master Information Block(MIB) periodically transmitted by a base station.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to determine to perform oneof: bar a cell from which the first MIB is acquired for a pre-determinedperiod of time and acquire a second MIB transmitted on a SecondaryBroadcast Channel (SBCH) by a base station based on a cell barringindication received in the first MIB.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to bar a cell from which thefirst MIB is acquired for a pre-determined period of time when thereceived cell barring indication is enabled.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to consider the cell fromwhich the second MIB is acquired as a candidate cell for camping or tobar the cell for a pre-determined period of time, wherein the cell isbarred for a pre-determined period of time when the second MIB is notacquired.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to apply at least one cellselection parameter to camp on a cell from which the first MIB andsecond MIB are acquired, wherein the cell selection parameter is eitherused from the received information in the acquired second MIB or fromthe valid stored essential system information corresponding to at leastone of: acquired system configuration index (SCI), acquired valuetag,acquired global cell identity (GCI) and acquired area identity.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to transmit a requestmessage to the base station to obtain at least one SI block of the OSI,where the request message is transmitted based on reservation of one of:at least one physical random access channel (PRACH) preamble and aplurality of PRACH resources.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to transmit SI storagecapability information in response to receiving a SI storage UEcapability request message from the base station in a connected mode.The UE receives a list of system configuration indexes (SCIs) andcorresponding configuration of SI blocks, from the base station based onthe SI storage capability of the UE.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to store the list of SCIsand corresponding configuration of SI blocks by the UE.

SUMMARY

Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a method for provisioningMinimum System Information (MSI) for a User Equipment (UE) in a wirelesscommunication system. The method includes decoding a Primary BroadcastChannel (PBCH) to acquire a first Master Information Block (MIB)periodically transmitted by a base station. Further, the method includesdetermining to perform one of: bar a cell from which the first MIB isacquired for a pre-determined period of time and acquire a second MIBtransmitted on a Secondary Broadcast Channel (SBCH) by a base stationbased on a cell barring indication received in the first MIB.

In an embodiment, the acquired first MIB is stored when the receivedcell barring indication is disabled and wherein the second MIB isacquired based on scheduling information received in the first MIB.

In an embodiment, the cell from which the first MIB is acquired isbarred for a pre-determined period of time when the received cellbarring indication is enabled.

In an embodiment, the method comprises determining to perform one of:consider the cell from which the second MIB is acquired as a candidatecell for camping and bar the cell for a pre-determined period of time.

In an embodiment, the cell is barred for a pre-determined period of timewhen the second MIB is not acquired.

In an embodiment, the cell is considered as the candidate cell forcamping based on at least one of: essential system informationparameters for cell selection and cell access received in the acquiredsecond MIB; and when the essential system information parameters are notreceived in the acquired second MIB and the UE has valid storedessential system information parameters for cell selection and cellaccess corresponding to at least one of: the system configuration index(SCI), the valuetag, the global cell identity (GCI) and area identifierassociated with the second MIB received in the acquired second MIB,wherein the UE has obtained the stored essential system informationparameters from another cell or another frequency.

In an embodiment, the acquired second MIB is referred as SystemInformation Block Type 1 (SIB1), the Secondary Broadcast Channel (SBCH)is a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) scheduled by a physicaldownlink control channel (PDCCH) and the Primary Broadcast Channel(PBCH) is a non-scheduled downlink broadcast channel.

In an embodiment, the method includes applying at least one cellselection parameter to camp on a cell from which the first MIB andsecond MIB are acquired, wherein the cell selection parameter is eitherused from the received information in the acquired second MIB or validstored essential system information corresponding to at least one of:acquired SCI, acquired valuetag, acquired global cell identity (GCI) andacquired area identifier.

In an embodiment, the method includes storing the acquired second MIBand at least one of the SCI, the valuetag, the GCI and the areaidentifier associated with the acquired second MIB. The method includesaccessing the camped cell based on at least one of: random accessparameter indicated in the acquired second MIB and valid storedessential system information corresponding to at least one of: acquiredSCI, acquired valuetag, acquired GCI and acquired area identifier. Themethod includes determining whether at least one of a SI block of OtherSystem Information (OSI) available in the camped cell is provided basedan on-demand basis, wherein the on-demand basis to deliver the SI blockof the OSI available in the camped cell is decided based on at least oneof an indication and a flag received in the acquired second MIB.Further, the method includes transmitting a request message to the basestation to obtain at least one SI block of the OSI.

In an embodiment, transmitting the request message to the base stationto obtain at least one SI block of the OSI comprises determiningreservation of one of: at least one physical random access channel(PRACH) preamble and a plurality of PRACH resources, wherein thereservation of PRACH preambles and PRACH resources is indicated in theacquired second MIB.

In an embodiment, the request message transmitted to the base station isa SI request message to obtain at least one SI block of the OSI, inresponse to determining that at least one PRACH preamble is not reservedand plurality of PRACH resources are not reserved as indicated in theacquired second MIB.

In an embodiment, the SI request message is transmitted in response to aRandom Access Response message received from the base station for aPRACH preamble transmission, wherein the transmitted PRACH preamble isan unreserved preamble selected randomly from a plurality of PRACHpreambles.

In an embodiment, the request message transmitted to the base station isa PRACH SI preamble to obtain at least one SI block of the OSI, inresponse to determining that at least one PRACH preamble is reserved asindicated in the acquired second MIB.

In an embodiment, the request message transmitted to the base station isa PRACH SI preamble to obtain at least one SI block of the OSI, inresponse to determining that plurality of PRACH resources are reservedas indicated in the acquired second MIB; wherein the reserved PRACHresource is a time-frequency resource.

In an embodiment, the PRACH SI preamble is transmitted on the reservedtime-frequency PRACH resource reserved for obtaining at one SI block ofthe OSI, wherein the transmitted PRACH SI preamble is an unreservedpreamble selected randomly from a plurality of PRACH preambles.

In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a SI storage UEcapability request message from the base station in a connected mode.The method includes transmitting SI storage capability information bythe UE. The method includes receiving a list of system configurationindexes (SCIs) and corresponding configuration of SI blocks, from thebase station based on the SI storage capability of the UE indicated tothe base station.

In an embodiment, the received list of SCIs and correspondingconfiguration of SI blocks are stored by the UE, wherein the UE discardsSCIs and corresponding configuration of SI blocks acquired fromdifferent cells other than the camped cell, based on expiry of avalidity timer associated with stored SI blocks.

In an embodiment, the storage of plurality of configurationcorresponding to one or more SI-block(s) is prioritized for theassociated SCI(s) changing frequently compared to plurality ofconfiguration corresponding to one or more SI-block(s) for theassociated SCI(s) rarely received in acquired MSI.

Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a user equipment (UE)provisioned to acquire Minimum system information (MSI) in a wirelesscommunication system. The UE is configured to decode a Primary BroadcastChannel (PBCH) to acquire a first Master Information Block (MIB)periodically transmitted by a base station. Further, the UE isconfigured to determine to perform one of: bar a cell from which thefirst MIB is acquired for a pre-determined period of time or acquire asecond MIB transmitted on a Secondary Broadcast Channel (SBCH) by a basestation based on a cell barring indication received in the first MIB.

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be betterappreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicatingpreferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are givenby way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes andmodifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments hereinwithout departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments hereininclude all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the followingdetailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an example illustration of Radio Access Network (RAN)deployment of next generation wireless system, according to anembodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 2A shows a high level categorization of System Information (SI),according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIGS. 2B and 2C are flow charts illustrating a method for provisioningMinimum System Information (MSI) for a User Equipment (UE) in a wirelesscommunication system, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 is an example illustration in which Primary Broadcast Channel(PBCH) is broadcasted from a cell of next generation wireless system,according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating various signaling messages forprovisioning of SI based on request from the UE, according to anembodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating various signaling messages forsystem information request response based on random access procedure,according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are sequence diagrams illustrating various signalingmessages for the system information request response based on the randomaccess procedure, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating various signaling messages forprovisioning of configuration list corresponding to requestedSI-block(s) based on UE storage capability to store multipleconfigurations, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 is an example illustration in which change in systemconfiguration index acquired from MIB during cell re-selection isexplained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating various modules of a 5G eNB,according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and

FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating various modules of the UE,according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings anddetailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-knowncomponents and processing techniques are omitted so as to notunnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the variousembodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, assome embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments toform new embodiments. The term “or” as used herein, refers to anon-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used hereinare intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which theembodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilledin the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examplesshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

As is traditional in the field, embodiments may be described andillustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function orfunctions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as units ormodules or the like, are physically implemented by analog or digitalcircuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors,microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, activeelectronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or thelike, and may optionally be driven by firmware and software. Thecircuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductorchips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and thelike. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicatedhardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmedmicroprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination ofdedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and aprocessor to perform other functions of the block. Each block of theembodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting anddiscrete blocks without departing from the scope of the invention.Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined intomore complex blocks without departing from the scope of the invention.

Throughout the description, the terms base station, eNode-B (eNB),gNode-B (gNB), Radio Access Network (RAN) and network (NW) are usedinterchangeably. Throughout the description, the terms UE and mobilestation are used interchangeably. Throughout the description, the termschanged SI, updated SI, and modified SI are used interchangeably.

The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand varioustechnical features and it should be understood that the embodimentspresented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such,the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations,equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularlyset out in the accompanying drawings. Although the terms first, second,etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elementsshould not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally onlyused to distinguish one element from another.

Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a method for provisioningMinimum System Information (MSI) for a User Equipment (UE) in a wirelesscommunication system. The method includes decoding a Primary BroadcastChannel (PBCH) to acquire a first Master Information Block (MIB)periodically transmitted by a base station. Further, the method includesdetermining to perform one of: bar a cell from which the first MIB isacquired for a pre-determined period of time and acquire a second MIBtransmitted on a Secondary Broadcast Channel (SBCH) by a base stationbased on a cell barring indication received in the first MIB.

In an embodiment, the acquired first MIB is stored when the receivedcell barring indication is disabled and the second MIB is acquired basedon scheduling information received in the first MIB. In someembodiments, the cell from which the first MIB is acquired is barred forthe pre-determined period of time when the received cell barringindication is enabled.

In various embodiments, the method includes determining to perform oneof: consider the cell from which the second MIB is acquired as acandidate cell for camping and bar the cell for a pre-determined periodof time.

In an embodiment, the cell is barred for a pre-determined period of timewhen the second MIB transmitted is not acquired.

In an embodiment, the cell is considered as the candidate cell forcamping based on at least one of: essential system informationparameters for cell selection and cell access received in the acquiredsecond MIB.

In an embodiment, when the essential system information parameters arenot received in the acquired second MIB, and the UE has valid storedessential system information parameters for cell selection and cellaccess corresponding to at least one of: the system configuration index(SCI), the valuetag, the global cell identity (GCI) and area identifierassociated with the second MIB received in the acquired second MIB,wherein the UE has obtained the stored essential system informationparameters from another cell or another frequency.

In an embodiment, the System Configuration Index or System ConfigurationIdentifier is an index/identifier which is associated with a set ofsystem information parameters and corresponding parameter values of aSI-block which is provided by the network either on periodic broadcastor on UE request.

In an embodiment, the plurality of SCI and minimum system information istransmitted in at least one system information block called the masterinformation block (MIB).

In an embodiment, the minimum system information comprises one or moreof: system frame number (SFN), PLMN-Id, parameters to support cellselection i.e. camping parameters, barring information to access thecamped cell i.e. related to cell access, cell barring indication,indicator(s) whether other SI-block(s) periodically broadcasted orprovided on demand i.e. UE request, configuration for requesting otherSI-block(s) if on demand mechanism is allowed (e.g. RACH like), SCI foreach of the other SI-block(s)regardless of periodic broadcast orprovided on demand, scheduling information for broadcasted SI-block(s)i.e. related to SI-block(s) periodically broadcasted, bitmap indicatingwhich SI-block(s) are supported by the cell.

In an embodiment, one or more Master Information Block (MIB) ofdifferent size is defined and UE identifies the size of MIB based ondetection of synchronization signal; wherein different synchronizationsignals are used for different MIB size.

In an embodiment, one or more MIB of different size is defined and UEidentifies the size of MIB based on detection of synchronization signal;wherein one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondarysynchronization signal is different for different MIB size.

In another embodiment, the MIB size is dependent on the frequency ofoperation; wherein the MIB size is pre-defined for different operatingfrequency or operating frequency range.

In yet another embodiment, the MIB size is determined based on blinddecoding of the block comprising minimum SI and performing the CRC checkon the decoded block by the UE.

In another embodiment, there can be multiple MIB(s) defined wherein thesize of the first MIB is fixed and the size of the second MIB isindicated in the first MIB or determined based on one of the primary orsecondary synchronization signal or blindly decoded by the UE.

In an embodiment, there can be multiple MIB(s) defined wherein theperiodicity of the first MIB is fixed and the periodicity of the secondMIB is indicated in the first MIB.

In an embodiment, the UE determines whether it is allowed to request oneor more other SI-block(s) from network based on one or more of: the ondemand indicator in minimum system information, the bitmap concerningsupported SI-block(s) in the cell and the scheduling information relatedto SI-block(s) transmitted in the MSI.

In an embodiment, each bit in the bitmap concerning supportedSI-block(s) in the cell indicates whether the corresponding SI-block orSI part/SI message is supported by the cell or not.

In an embodiment, the UE determines whether it is allowed to request oneor more other SI-block(s) from network based on the bitmap concerningsupported SI-block(s) in the cell and the absence of schedulinginformation related to SI-block(s) indicated as supported by the bitmap.

In an embodiment, the UE determines that it is allowed to request one ormore other SI-block(s) from network based on the bitmap concerningsupported SI-block(s) in the cell and the presence of on demandindicator for those SI-block(s) indicated as supported by the bitmap.

In an embodiment, the UE determines that it is allowed to request one ormore other SI-block(s) from network based on the presence of on demandindicator and absence of scheduling information related to SI-block(s)determined from scheduling information transmitted in the MSI.

In an embodiment, the UE determines whether it is allowed to request oneor more essential SI-block(s) from network based on absence ofscheduling information related to SI-block(s) in minimum SI; wherein theessential SI-block(s) are mandatory SI-block(s) like LTE SIB1, SIB2 etc.

In an embodiment, the UE determines that it is allowed to request one ormore essential SI-block(s) from network based on the presence of ondemand indicator for one or more essential SI-block(s) in minimum SI;wherein the essential SI-block(s) are mandatory SI-block(s) like LTESIB1, SIB2 etc.

In an embodiment, multiple SCI are broadcasted in minimum systeminformation wherein each SCI is associated with SI-block (or SI part orSI message) provided in other system information either through periodicbroadcast or by UE request i.e. on demand.

In an embodiment, a SI-block or SI message concern a set of parametersthat are functionality related and hence some similar schedulingrequirements.

In an embodiment, a SI part or SI message concerns either a one-to-onemapping between SI part/SI message and SI-block or multiple SI-block(s)are bundled as one SI part/SI message; wherein the mapping between SIpart/SI message and SI-block is either fixed or configurable.

In an embodiment, if the mapping between SI part/SI message and SI-blockis configurable then such configuration information related to mappingis provided in minimum SI.

In an embodiment, the scheduling information related to SI-block(s)supported in the cell comprises the mapping between SI part/SI messageand one or more SI-block(s), periodicity of the SI message, SI messagebroadcast window and an indicator whether the SI message is provided ondemand or periodically broadcasted; wherein the periodicity of the SImessage is with reference to start of system modification period.

In an embodiment, a SCI can be associated with SI-block comprisingminimum SI parameters which cannot be included in first MIB and someimportant cell-specific parameters like cell selection parameters, cellaccess parameters and cell re-selection parameters; wherein such aSI-block can be termed as comprising essential system information.

In an embodiment, at least two preambles are reserved for SCI associatedwith SI-block comprising minimum SI parameters which cannot be includedin MSI and some important cell-specific parameters; wherein one preambleindicates transmission of UL grant in random access response (RAR) alongwith SI parameters and another preamble indicates transmission of onlySI parameters in RAR without UL grant.

In an embodiment, the on demand indicator that indicates UE is allowedto request one or more other SI-block(s) from network and the bitmapconcerning supported SI-block(s) in the cell is transmitted in RAR.

In an embodiment, when the UE requests one or more other SI-block(s) ondemand from the network the scheduling information of the requestedSI-block(s); if decided to be broadcasted by the network; can beincluded in one of the RAR, Message 4 (MSG4), SI Response message or canbe already included in minimum SI or essential SI; wherein thescheduling information comprises the mapping between SI part/SI messageand one or more SI-block(s), periodicity of the SI message and SImessage broadcast window.

In an embodiment, the base station provides UE with one or moreconfiguration for each SI-block or SI part/SI message wherein eachconfiguration of the SI-block or SI part/SI message is associated with aSystem configuration index or system configuration identifier (SCI).

In an embodiment, UE is provided with a configuration list correspondingto each SI-block or SI part requested by the UE wherein, transmission ofa single configuration or plurality of configuration corresponding tothe requested SI-block or SI part is network decision based on UEstorage capability.

In an embodiment, UE capability to store plurality of configurationscorresponding to SI-block requested is informed to the network; whereinthe capability can be indicated during the request procedure or afterthe request procedure.

In an embodiment, when the base station provides one or moreconfiguration for each SI-block or SI part/SI message then UE which doesnot have the capability to store multiple configurations correspondingto the SI-block identifies the configuration applicable in the servingcell based on the SCI broadcasted in minimum SI and stores the relevantconfiguration while discarding other configurations not applicable inthe serving cell.

In an embodiment, for UE storage capability management when UE detectscertain SCI associated with a SI-block or SI part/SI message is rarelybroadcasted by the network in minimum SI then UE can delete the storedconfiguration corresponding to the less frequently broadcasted SCI.

In an embodiment, for UE storage capability management, UE prioritizesthe storage of plurality of configurations corresponding to one or moreSI-block(s) or SI part/SI message(s) for which the associated SCI changeoccurs more frequently during mobility from one cell to another comparedto plurality of configurations corresponding to one or more SI-block(s)or SI part/SI message(s) for which the associated SCI is rarely detectedin broadcast of minimum SI.

In an embodiment, the UE prioritizes the storage of plurality ofconfigurations corresponding to essential-SI block(s) over plurality ofconfigurations corresponding to other SI-block(s).

In an embodiment, the UE prioritizes the storage of plurality ofconfigurations corresponding to SI-block(s) related to the service(s) inwhich UE is interested and essential SI-block(s).

In an embodiment, for SCI range management, if a certain SCI associatedwith a SI-block or SI part/SI message is broadcasted by network inminimum SI and the configuration corresponding to the SI-block isalready provided to the UE then the same SCI value is not associatedwith a different configuration for the corresponding SI-block for acertain time period (e.g. 24 hours).

In an embodiment, the different numerologies supported by the cell isindicated in a SI-block comprising the RACH configuration which iseither numerology specific or service specific or network slicespecific.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through9B, there are shown preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an example illustration of Radio Access Network (RAN)deployment of next generation wireless system 100, according to anembodiment as disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the next generation wireless system 100 includes agateway (GW) 101, a set of UE's 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, 102 x, 102 y, and102 z (hereafter, the label of the UE is 102), a set of 5G eNBs 103 a,103 b (hereafter, the label of the 5G eNB is 103), a set of cells 104 a,104 b (hereafter, the label of the cell is 104), and a set ofTransmission Reception Points (TRPs) 105 a, 105 b, 105 x, and 105 y(hereafter, the label of the TRP is 105).

The UEs 102 a-102 c and 102 x-102 z may be dispersed throughout the nextgeneration wireless system, and each UE 102 may be stationary or inmobility. The UE 102 may also include or be referred to by those skilledin the art as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, asubscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, awireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, amobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, awireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobileclient, a client, or some other suitable terminology.

The UE 102 can be, for example, but not limited to a cellular phone, asmart phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, awireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, alaptop computer, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a Universal SerialBus (USB) dongle, a wireless router, etc.

The 5G eNB 103 may also include or be referred to by those skilled inthe art as a base station, a base transceiver station, a radio basestation, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB (eNB or gNB), orsome other suitable terminology.

The gateway 101 can be connected to the 5G eNB 103 for handling thefrequency carrier(s) in a cell coverage area. One 5G eNB 103 may beconnected to more than one GW 101. Within the coverage of 5G eNB1 and 5GeNB2 103 a and 103 b, the plurality of UE's 102 support multiple RATfunctionalities like (GSM, UMTS, LTE) and also next generation RATfunctionalities (NR/5G) are served by one or more cell(s) 104.Regardless of the UE support type, each UE 102 can access at least onecarrier based on next generation RAT (NR/5G).

In an embodiment, the 5G eNB 103 is configured to transmit a broadcastchannel (i.e., a Primary Broadcast Channel (PBCH)) to at least one UE102. The PBCH is a non-scheduled downlink broadcast channel. The UE 102is configured to decode the PBCH to acquire the first MIB. Further, theUE 102 is configured to determine to bar a cell from which the first MIBis acquired for a pre-determined period of time or to acquire a secondMIB transmitted on a Secondary Broadcast Channel (SBCH) by the basestation (i.e., the 5G eNB 103) based on a cell barring indicationincluded in the first MIB. The SBCH is a physical downlink sharedchannel (PDSCH) scheduled by a physical downlink control channel(PDCCH).

In an embodiment, the acquired first MIB is stored when the receivedcell barring indication is disabled and in various embodiments, thesecond MIB is acquired based on scheduling information included in thefirst MIB.

In various embodiments, the UE 102 is configured to bar the cell fromwhich the first MIB is acquired for a pre-determined period of time whenthe received cell barring indication is enabled.

In some embodiments, the UE 102 is configured to determine whether toconsider the cell from which the second MIB is acquired as a candidatecell for camping or bar the cell for a pre-determined period of time. Incase, when the UE fails to acquire second MIB transmitted on the SBCH,then the UE 102 is configured to bar the cell for a pre-determinedperiod of time.

In various embodiments, the UE is configured to consider the cell as acandidate cell for camping when essential system information parametersfor cell selection and cell access are received in the acquired secondMIB.

In another embodiment, when the UE acquires only the SCI from second MIBand UE neither receives essential parameters of minimum systeminformation from cell broadcast nor has stored information associatedwith SCI acquired from second MIB then UE considers that cell as barredfor a certain period of time.

The stored essential system information can be associated with at leastone of: the SCI, the valuetag, the global cell identity and the areaidentifier.

In another embodiment, when the UE detects a cell which is notbroadcasting the essential system information, UE considers this cell asa candidate for camping if UE already has essential system informationfor this cell wherein the UE may have obtained the said essential systeminformation for this cell from another cell or another frequency or frompre-configuration or from a server.

In an embodiment, when the essential system information parameters arenot received in the acquired second MIB, then the UE 102 is configuredto determine whether it has valid stored essential system informationparameters for cell selection and cell access based on at least one of:the SCI, the valuetag, the global cell identity (GCI) and the areaidentifier associated with the second MIB received in the acquiredsecond MIB. In such case, it should be noted that the UE has obtainedthe stored essential system information parameters from another cell oranother frequency.

Further, the UE 102 is configured to apply cell selection parameter(s)to camp on the cell (i.e., either the cell 104 a or 104 b) from whichfirst MIB and second MIB are acquired. The cell selection parameter(s)are used from the information received in the acquired second MIB or thevalid stored essential system information corresponding to the acquiredSCI.

Further, the next generation wireless cellular system includes the cell104 a consists of a set of Transmission Reception Points (TRPs) 105. Afronthaul between 5G eNB 103 a node and the TRPs 105 can be ideal ornon-ideal. The TRPs 105 of one 5G cell 104 a controlled by the 5G eNB103 will operate to provide DL coverage beams. It is assumed all TRPs105 belonging to the same cell are “time synchronized” i.e. same radioframe and System Frame Number (SFN) timing. However, in someimplementation TRPs 105 may not be time synchronized. The radio frameduration of IMT-Advanced is 10 ms and the SFN range is 0-1023. Thenumerology of next generation RAT is assumed such that the IMT-Advancedradio frame is either multiple of radio frame of next generation RAT orradio frame of next generation RAT is exactly 10 ms. Therefore, the SFNrange of next generation RAT is either 0-1023 or multiple ofIMT-Advanced SFN range. This is needed to support co-existence of nextgeneration RAT and IMT-Advanced RAT. This is also needed to supportnon-standalone deployment of next generation wireless system where theIMT-Advanced RAT acts as the mobility and RRC connection anchor. It isexpected that the initial deployment of next generation wireless systemoperating in mmWave/cmWave bands would operate as non-standalone systemto provide additional radio resources to the UE which would be connectedto IMT-Advanced or previous generation system for coverage purpose. Withthe assumption that next generation wireless system would be added as acapacity layer to existing IMT-Advanced deployments then from theinitial standardization phase perspective the RAN architecture would bebased on mechanisms similar to Carrier Aggregation (CA) orDual-Connectivity (DC) framework specified by 3rd Generation PartnershipProject (3GPP).

The maximum number of DL coverage beams ‘p’ will typically depend onfrequency used; i.e. can be larger in higher frequency bands due tosmaller antenna separation at the TRPs 105 of 5G eNB (103). The cell 104of the next generation wireless system is identified by a “physical CellIdentifier” (PCI) and a “global cell identifier” (GCI). The UE 102 canobtain the PCI from the Synchronization Signal (SS) transmitted by the5G cell 104 of the next generation RAT and the GCI from the MSIbroadcasted periodically on PBCH/SBCH by the 5G cell 104.

The UE 102 which supports legacy RAT, IMT-Advanced RAT and nextgeneration RAT is aware of TRPs 105 of the next generation wirelesssystem. The TRPs 105 operate together to provide beams to the UE andnotion of TRP may or may not be visible to the UE. Therefore, if the TRP105 is visible to the UE, then there is a “TRP Identifier (TRP-Id)”provided to the UE over the radio of next generation RAT.

Further, the UE 102 is aware of cell 104 of 5G eNB 103 a, the TRP 105and beams served by the respective TRP 105. The UE 102 shall detect anddecode the Synchronization Signal and PBCH to determine the PCI andTRP-Id and also decode the Beam Index Sequence to determine a “BeamIdentifier” (Beam-Id). Further, two types of DL beams are considered: 1)Coverage Beams and 2) Dedicated Beams.

The coverage beams transmitted by the TRPs 105 under the control of 5GeNB 103 a provide the coverage for cell 104 a of next generation systemwith a fixed set of directed coverage beams, also called as “grid ofbeams”. Coverage beams cover a relatively wide area and can thus onlysupport relatively low data rates. For example in a cell 104 a therecould be less than 10 DL coverage beams and more than 10 dedicated beamstransmitted by each TRP. As an example each DL coverage beam from therespective TRP could cover 30-60 degree sector angle such that gird ofcoverage beams cover 100-250 m radius circular area. Each coverage beamis identified by a Beam-Id”. The coverage beams transmit theSynchronization Signal (SS), PBCH and reference signals for beam signalstrength measurements. These reference signals are generically referredas Beam Reference Signal (BRS) and used for Radio Resource Management(RRM) measurements. Coverage beams are used for transmitting DL commonchannel signaling e.g. RACH response. Coverage beams carry controlchannel transmissions like enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel(ePDCCH) and user data Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) can alsobe transmitted on coverage beams when dedicated beams to the UE havebeen lost. In next generation system where beamforming is not employedthe multiple coverage beams is just a single beam transmitted from adirection antenna in the sector covering the cell. Operation with singlebeam or multiple beam in NR systems is a network implementation aspect.For demodulation purpose when ePDCCH/PDSCH is transmitted on coveragebeam then Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) is also transmitted.Dedicated transmissions towards UE (ePDCCH/PDSCH) may potentially useeven more directed and sharp beams (e.g. UE specific pre-coding) on socalled “Dedicated Beams”. Coverage area of dedicated beams would be muchsmaller in terms of beam width compared to coverage beams (e.g. ½, ¼ or⅛th of coverage beam area).

Further, the dedicated beams are managed based on the UE measurement onChannel-State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) and UE 102 providesCSI feedback at PHY or MAC layer. To demodulate ePDCCH/PDSCH carried ondedicated beams, DMRS is also transmitted on dedicated beam. Since UE120 just sees DMRS kind of reference signals coming from the cell of thenext generation system the notion of coverage beam and dedicated beam istransparent to the UE 102 for PDSCH reception point of view. However,notion of coverage beam is known to the UE for reception ofsynchronization signal and BRS measurement. Therefore, when TRPs of gNB(103 a) detects the UE has lost dedicated beams based on CSI-RSmeasurement feedback and UE 102 is scheduled data on coverage beam thenUE 02 will not be aware that whether the transmission is coming from acoverage beam. To the UE 102, this looks like any other transmissioncoming from a dedicated beam. Cell edge bitrates on coverage beams willbe much lower than cell edge bitrates achievable by dedicated beams. TheUE 102 transmission in the UL may also be carried on UL beams. However,the number of UL beams is expected to be less compared to the number ofDL beams considering the UE size and number of antenna's at the UE 102.

The 5G cell parameters of the next generation RAT (i.e., systeminformation) which are cell specific comprises of: DL/UL bandwidth, TDDconfiguration, PRACH configuration, PDSCH configuration, Physical UplinkControl Channel(PUCCH) configuration, PUSCH configuration, SoundingReference Signal(SRS) configuration, UL power control configuration, MACconfiguration, RLC configuration, PDCP configuration (i.e. user planeconfiguration or L1/L2 configuration) etc.

The system information containing the L1/L2 configuration in general iscalled the radio resource configuration information which needs to beprovided to the UE for communication with the gNB. In addition the DLbeam mobility measurement configuration which includes the CSI-RSconfiguration including the CSI-RS processes that points to the CSI-RSresource configuration including the Non-Zero Power (NZP), Zero Power(ZP) and Interference Measurement Resource (IMR) resources and thereporting configuration needs to be provided to the UE for beam mobilitypurpose.

Based on the CSI-RS configuration the UE in connected mode shouldmonitor the NZP and IMR resources to perform CSI measurements thatincludes at least Channel Quality Indicator(CQI), Rank Indicator(RI),Precoding Matrix Index(PMI), CSI-RS RSRP measurements on the resourcesconfigured for the UE. There is also need to provide the UE withintra-frequency configuration, inter-frequency configuration andinter-RAT configuration to support idle mode mobility. The terms PRACH,Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), Physical Uplink ControlChannel (PUCCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), SRS for thephysical channels of next generation RAT are used for simplicity so thatsomeone with ordinary skills of the IMT-Advanced system can correlatewith terms used in IMT-Advanced system.

The next generation wireless system needs to provide the UE with thecell specific parameters for accessing the cell, the (L1/L2)configuration i.e., radio resource configuration (both common anddedicated) and other configurations for idle mode mobility.Traditionally in legacy wireless system such parameters are periodicallybroadcasted in the cell coverage area in the form of one or more SystemInformation Blocks (SIBs) in addition to the Master Information Block(MIB). On acquiring the MIB and SIBs related to cell access and idlemode mobility the UE can camp on a cell and then start initial access onthe camped cell.

Consider for example that there are 4 DL coverage beams. MIBtransmission with same periodicity as in LTE (i.e. 40 ms) and repetitionevery radio frame using 4 DL coverage beams. In a subframe MIB istransmitted using distinct DL coverage beam in distinct set of OFDMsymbols. SIB 1 transmission with same periodicity as in LTE (i.e. 80 ms)and repetition in alternate radio frame using 4 DL coverage beams. Ineach radio frame for SIB 1 transmission, PDCCH indicating PDSCHresources for SIB1 and PDSCH carrying SIB1 is transmitted multiple timesusing distinct DL coverage beams in distinct subframes.

The overhead (time/frequency resources) of transmission of just MIB andSIB1 using beam forming is P times more than transmission of MIB/SIB1without beam forming ‘P’ is the number of DL transmission beams. Thetransmission resources remaining after resources consumed by systeminformation (i.e., MIB/SIB1) may be only used for data scheduling for auser in the direction of the DL transmission beam. Therefore, if moretime/frequency resources are consumed by system information due to beamsweeping then user data scheduling becomes restrictive and inflexible.In case of SIB1 message, PDCCH overhead also increases by P times asPDCCH is also transmitted using beamforming. The resource constraint andsignaling overhead problem is also applicable for other SI messages. ForSI messages the SI window size also increases by P times leading toincreased UE wakeup time.

In a system where there is no beamforming (typically at lowfrequencies), the other issue is energy efficiency. According to release13 LTE specification, 20 SIBs are supported. Only few SIBs are neededfor basic LTE operation and other SIBs are for specific feature (e.g.Interworking with WLAN, D2D, MBMS, etc) or specific RATs (GERAN, UTRA,CDMA2000). These SIBs are periodically broadcasted and unnecessary infollowing scenarios: i) If all the UEs in the cell have already read therequired system information and no new UE is entering the cell atperiodicity at which system information is transmitted then periodicbroadcast of system information in that cell is unnecessary and leads towastage of resources and energy consumption; ii) if there is no UE in acell interested in a specific service, then periodic broadcast ofservice specific system information in that cell is unnecessary andleads to wastage of resources and energy consumption. For example, ifthere is no UE in a cell interested in D2D service, then cellbroadcasting SIB 18/SIB 19 is unnecessary.

One of the requirements for 5G systems is energy efficiency; so thedesign of system information provisioning needs to address the energyefficiency requirement to minimize always ON periodic broadcast. Anotheraspect related to broadcasting of system information is high signalingoverhead in the context of 5G operation in higher frequency bands (above10 GHz) where DL beam sweeping operation is inevitable to reach thecoverage area of the cell. Broadcasting all the SIBs on the coveragebeams which are subject to DL beam sweeping may lead to excessivesignaling overhead and resource restriction. Therefore another designcriterion for system information provisioning needs to address thesignaling overhead aspect. There can be several mechanisms to reducesystem overhead. For example, in order to reduce system overhead,essential system information such as SFN, system BW, cell barringindication, cell access parameters etc can be broadcasted periodicallyon PBCH whereas other system information can be either dedicatedlysignaled or can be broadcasted based on UE request.

In light of the above context, various embodiments of the providemechanisms for accessing the cell 104 and to request the 5G eNB 103 foron demand SIBs.

FIG. 2A shows a high level categorization of System Information (SI),according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

As depicted in the FIG. 2A, the SI provisioned in the 5G cell 104 isdivided into MSI (i.e., the Minimum SI) and Other System Information(OSI). The Minimum SI is always autonomously and periodicallybroadcasted by the network. The contents of minimum SI at least includeinformation which provides the following functionality: a) informationto support cell selection; b) information to access the camped cell, c)information for requesting the Other SI and scheduling information forany broadcast SI. Some of the contents of MSI is broadcasted on the PBCHin a first MIB and remaining contents of MSI is broadcasted on the SBCHin a second MIB The PBCH is a non-scheduled downlink broadcast channeland the SBCH is a PDSCH scheduled by a PDCCH. The second MIB is commonlyreferred as System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1). The MSI consists ofa first MIB and a second MIB i.e. SIB1. The Other SI (i.e., the OSI)comprises everything not broadcasted in the MSI. The Other SI in theform of SI-block(s) can be provided to the UE(s) on demand orperiodically broadcasted depending on network decision. The Other SI mayeither be broadcast or provided to UE in a dedicated manner.

It is possible that some SI-block(s) have a set of SI parameters orconfigurations which is same or common for all cells/TRPs/Beams in thearea. This is shown as Area-specific SI or can be referred as Common SIwhich has other SI-block(s) with the same set of SI parameters in thearea applicable to a group of cells. Further some parameters can becell-specific like the cell re-selection parameters. Such parameters canbe associated with SI-block corresponding to cell-specific informationapplicable to a cell comprising one or group of TRPs depending on thecell deployment. The UE 102 needs to know the other SI-block(s)supported in the cell and whether it is broadcast or can be requested ondemand (e.g. by checking the minimum SI or more specifically checkingthe second MIB i.e. SIB1). The UE 102 in idle or inactive state shouldbe able to request the Other SI-block(s) without requiring a statetransition.

FIGS. 2B and 2C are flow charts 200 illustrating a method forprovisioning MSI for the UE 102 in the wireless communication system100, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

At step 202, the method includes decoding a PBCH to acquire a first MIBperiodically transmitted by the base station. The base station (i.e.,gNB 103) periodically transmits the first MIB on the non-scheduled PBCHand the second MIB on the scheduled SBCH. The UE 102 is configured todecode the PBCH to acquire the first MIB which includes SFN, cellbarring indication and scheduling information for the second MIB. Thedetails of PBCH and SBCH transmission are further elaborated in FIG. 3.

At step 204, the method includes determining whether a cell barringindication is received in the first MIB. The UE 102 is configured todetermine whether the received cell barring indication in the acquiredfirst MIB is enabled or disabled. In case, the received cell barringindication is enabled in the acquired first MIB, then at step 206, themethod includes barring the cell for a pre-determined period of time.The UE 102 is configured to bar the cell (from which the first MIB isacquired) for a pre-determined period of time when the received cellbarring indication is enabled in the acquired first MIB.

In case, when the received cell barring indication is disabled asdetermined at step 204, then at step 208, the method includes storingthe acquired first MIB i.e. storing the contents of first MIB. The UE102 is configured to store the acquired first MIB. After storing theacquired first MIB, at step 210, the method includes acquiring secondMIB based on scheduling information received in the acquired first MIB.The UE 102 is configured to acquire the second MIB based on thescheduling information included in the first MIB. The second MIBcomprises the remaining contents of MSI not included in the first MIB.The contents of second MIB i.e. the configuration of parameterscorresponding to second MIB can be associated with at least one of: theSCI, the valuetag, the GCI and an area identifier. The second MIB alsoincludes at least one of: the SCI, the valuetag, the GCI and an areaidentifier. At step 212, the method includes determining whether thesecond MIB transmitted on the SBCH by the base station 103 can beacquired or not based on the scheduling information included in thefirst MIB.

The acquired second MIB is referred as System Information Block Type 1(SIB1) and the SBCH is a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)scheduled by a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

In case, when the UE fails to acquire the second MIB and cannot receiveany contents of the second MIB, then at step 214, the method includesbarring the cell for a pre-determined period of time. The UE 102 isconfigured to bar the cell for a pre-determined period of time when thesecond MIB transmitted on the SBCH is not acquired.

In case, at step 212, if it is determined that the second MIB isacquired i.e. UE is able to receive the contents of the second MIB, thenat step 216, the method includes determining whether to camp on the cellfrom which the second MIB is acquired. In an embodiment, the UE 102considers the cell as a candidate cell for camping by determining thereception of essential system information parameters for cell selectionand cell access in the acquired second MIB.

At step 218, the method includes camping on the cell when the essentialsystem information parameters are received in the second MIB. The UE 102is configured to camp on the cell based on the essential systeminformation parameters (i.e. cell selection parameters) received in theacquired second MIB. During mobility from one cell to another cell theUE determines suitable cell based on cell selection parameters while thecamping on another cell is based on cell re-selection parametersincluded in SI-block of OSI.

In some embodiments, when the essential system information parametersare not received in the acquired second MIB, then at step 220, themethod includes camping on the cell based on valid stored systeminformation parameters for cell selection and cell access correspondingto SCI, valuetag, Global Cell Identity (GCI) and area identifierassociated with the second MIB. It should be noted that, the UE 102 hasobtained the stored essential system information parameterscorresponding to second MIB from some another cell or another frequency.

In case at step 216, if it is determined that the UE 102 cannot camp onthe cell due to one of: absence of essential system informationparameters in the received second MIB or in case when the UE has novalid stored system information associated with SCI, valuetag, GCI orarea identifier received in the acquired second MIB, then the methodloops back to the step 214, where the cell from which the second MIB isacquired is barred for a pre-determined period of time. The UE 102 isconfigured to bar the cell from which second MIB was attempted to beacquired for a pre-determined period of time, in the absence ofessential system information parameters and when the UE 102 has no validstored system information associated with SCI, valuetag, GCI or areaidentifier received in the second MIB. In such scenario, when the cellfrom which first MIB and second MIB was attempted to be acquired isbarred for a pre-determined period of time, the UE 102 starts detectingsynchronization signals from another cell and upon detection of anothercell, attempts to decode PBCH transmitted by the detected cell (i.e.,the method loops back to step 202).

It should be noted that the acquired second MIB is referred as SystemInformation Block Type 1 (SIB1) and the SBCH is a physical downlinkshared channel (PDSCH) scheduled by a physical downlink control channel(PDCCH).

If at step 218 or at step 220 the UE is able to camp on the cell fromwhich second MIB was acquired then at step 222, the method includesstoring the acquired second MIB and at least one of: the acquired SCI,the acquired valuetag, the acquired GCI and the acquired area identifierassociated with the acquired second MIB. The UE 102 is configured tostore the acquired second MIB and at least one of: the SCI, thevaluetag, the GCI and the area identifier associated with the acquiredsecond MIB.

At step 224, the method includes accessing the camped cell based on atleast one of random access parameter received in the acquired second MIBand valid stored essential system information corresponding to at leastone of: acquired SCI, acquired valuetag, acquired GCI and acquired areaidentifier. The UE 102 is configured to access the camped cell on atleast one of the random access parameter and the valid stored essentialsystem information corresponding to at least one of: acquired SCI,acquired valuetag, acquired GCI and acquired area identifier.

At step 226, the method includes determining whether at least one of aSI block of OSI available in the camped cell is provided based on atleast one of the periodic broadcast or an on-demand basis. The UE 102 isconfigured to determine whether at least one of a SI block of OSIavailable in the camped cell is provided based on at least one of theperiodic broadcast or an on-demand basis. In an embodiment, theon-demand basis to deliver the SI block of the OSI available in thecamped cell is decided based on at least one of an indication or a flagincluded in the acquired second MIB. If the on-demand indicator isdisabled the corresponding SI-block is broadcasted whereas if theon-demand indicator is enabled the UE needs to send a SI request messageto acquire the corresponding the SI-block. Further details of step 224are elaborated in FIG. 4.

At step 228, on determining the on-demand indicator is enabled themethod includes transmitting a SI request message to the base station(i.e., gNB 103) to obtain at least one SI block of the OSI. The UE isconfigured to transmit the SI request message to the base station (i.e.,gNB 103) to obtain at least one SI block of the OSI. There are twomethods for sending the SI request message which are further elaboratedin FIG. 5 and FIG. 6B.

In an embodiment, transmitting the request message to the base stationto obtain at least one SI block of the OSI comprises determiningreservation of one of: at least one physical random access channel(PRACH) preamble and a plurality of PRACH resources. It should be notedthat the reservation of PRACH preambles and PRACH resources is indicatedin the acquired second MIB. The UE 102 is configured to transmit therequest message to the base station to obtain at least one SI block ofthe OSI comprises determining reservation of one of: at least onephysical random access channel (PRACH) preamble and the plurality ofPRACH resources.

In an embodiment, the request message transmitted to the base station isa SI request message for obtaining at least one SI block of the OSI,after determining that at least one PRACH preamble is not reserved andplurality of PRACH resources are not reserved as indicated in theacquired second MIB.

The UE 102 is configured to transmit the SI request message in responseto a Random Access Response (RAR) message received from the base stationfor a PRACH preamble transmission. The RAR provides the UL grant totransmit the SI request message. The transmitted PRACH preamble is anunreserved preamble selected randomly from a plurality of PRACHpreambles. The details of this method are further elaborated in FIG. 5.

In another embodiment, the request message transmitted to the basestation is a PRACH SI preamble to obtain at least one SI block of theOSI when the at least one PRACH preamble is reserved as indicated in theacquired second MIB.

In another embodiment, the request message transmitted to the basestation is a PRACH SI preamble to obtain at least one SI block of theOSI, when there is a plurality of PRACH resources reserved, as indicatedin the acquired second MIB, and the reserved PRACH resource is atime-frequency resource.

The UE 102 is configured to transmit the PRACH SI preamble on thereserved time-frequency PRACH resource for obtaining at one SI block ofthe OSI. The transmitted PRACH SI preamble is an unreserved preambleselected randomly from a plurality of PRACH preambles. The details ofthis method are further elaborated in FIG. 6B.

At step 230, the method includes receiving a SI storage UE capabilityrequest message from the base station in a connected mode. The UE 102 isconfigured to receive the SI storage UE capability request message fromthe base station in a connected mode.

At step 232, the method includes transmitting the SI storage capabilityinformation. The UE 102 is configured to transmit the SI storagecapability information. The details of steps 230 and 232 are furtherelaborated in FIG. 7.

At step 234, the method includes receiving a list of SCIs andcorresponding configuration of SI blocks. The UE 102 is configured toreceive the list of SCIs and corresponding configuration of SI blocks.In an embodiment, the received list of SCIs and correspondingconfiguration of SI blocks are stored by the UE 102. Further, the UEdiscards SCIs and corresponding configuration of SI blocks acquired fromdifferent cells other than the camped cell, based on expiry of avalidity timer associated with stored SI blocks.

In an embodiment, the storage of configuration of SI blocks is managedwherein the UE 102 is configured to prioritize the associated SCI(s)changing frequently than a plurality of configuration corresponding toone or more SI-block(s) for the associated SCI(s) rarely received in theacquired MSI.

The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flowdiagram 200 may be performed in the order presented, in a differentorder or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of theactions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added,modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is an example illustration 300 in which PBCH is broadcasted froma cell 104 of next generation wireless system 100, according to anembodiment as disclosed herein. A default PBCH cycle which is frequencyagnostic or frequency dependent can be specified in 3GPP specifications.As an example the default PBCH cycle (310 a, 310 b, 310 c and so on) canbe specified as 20 or 40 ms. The PBCH transmission is subject to DL beamsweeping over plurality of DL coverage beams in order to reach UEs inentire cell coverage area. The PBCH carries the physical SynchronizationSignal (SS) i.e. primary and secondary SS, first the Master InformationBlock (Block) comprising at least some contents of the MSI and Beamreference signals (BRS) distributed in frequency domain. The PBCH isblindly detected by the UE during each synchronization signal period(350). It is to be noted the PBCH is a non-scheduled downlink broadcastchannel. The PBCH cycle denotes the PBCH periodicity wherein the samecontents of MIB can be repeated within the PBCH periodicity. Thecontents of MIB change across PBCH periodicity boundary. The DL beamsweeping period (320 a, 320 b, 320 c so on and so forth) comprising thePBCH aligns with the start of the radio frame of the cell since the PBCHperiod includes the physical synchronization signals. During the DL beamsweeping period (320 a, 320 b, 320 c, etc.) plurality of DL coveragebeams (340 a, 340 b, 340 c . . . 340 y, 340 z) are transmittedconsecutively in time in different directions to provide coverage to UEsin the area covered by sweeping the beams. The PBCH is transmittedduring the synchronization signal period (350) which may or may notcover all the OFDM symbols within the Transmission Time Interval (TTI)of next generation RAT depending on the exact physical layer design.

The synchronization signal period (350) consist of plurality of OFDMsymbols of NR and cover the minimum bandwidth consisting of plurality ofsubcarriers required for the transmission of at least thesynchronization signal (351), beam index sequence (352), MasterInformation Block (MIB) (353) comprising at least some contents of theminimum system information and beam reference signals (BRS) (354). Thesynchronization signal (351) consists at least the primarysynchronization signal (i.e., PSS), the secondary synchronization signal(i.e., SSS) and the beam index sequence (352). The PSS/SSS (351), beamindex sequence (352) and MIB (353) are transmitted on plurality of OFDMsymbols and plurality of subcarriers during the PBCH period orsynchronization signal period (350) subject to beam forming logicassociated with DL beam index#1 (340 a). The beam index sequence (352)indicates the DL beam index#1. The block containing the PSS/SSS (351),MIB (353), beam index sequence (352) and BRS (354) can be transmitted asa single burst (320 a) or set of bursts (320 aa, 320 aaa so on and soforth). Therefore the PBCH cycle (310 a, 310 b, 310 c so on and soforth) represent the periodicity of the PBCH or the periodicity of SSburst set. In the next synchronization period (350) the PSS/SSS (351),beam index sequence (352) indicating the DL beam index#2 and MIB (353)are transmitted on plurality of OFDM symbols and plurality ofsubcarriers subject to beam forming logic associated with DL beamindex#2 (340 b). This is referred as DL beam sweeping on PBCH whereinthe PSS/SSS (351), beam index sequence (352) indicating the DL beamindex#M and MIB (353) are transmitted on plurality of OFDM symbols andplurality of subcarriers in the m^(th) PBCH period or synchronizationperiod (350) subject to beam forming logic associated with DL beamindex#M (340 z). On blindly decoding the PSS/SSS (351) and beam indexsequence (352), the UE determines the Physical Cell Identity (PCI) andthe timing compensation to be applied to determine the radio frameboundary of the cell transmitting the synchronization signal. The beamreference signals i.e., BRS (354) are reference signals transmitted onplurality of OFDM symbols and plurality of subcarriers excluding theresources occupied by PSS/SSS (351) and beam index sequence (352). Theresources used for transmitting the BRS (354) on DL beam index#m dependon the PCI of the cell and the DL beam index. The BRS (354) istransmitted during the synchronization period (350) subject to thecorresponding beam forming logic associated with DL beam index#m. In theFIG. 3, the first beam during the DL beam sweeping period is depicted DLbeam index#1 and subsequent beams in time as DL beam index#2 so on andso forth. Such a depiction should not be considered as a limiting casebecause the starting beam can be any beam uniquely identified by thebeam index sequence subject to maintaining the beam sequence and thenumber of beams same during the DL beam sweeping period. For e.g. thestarting beam can be DL beam index#11 followed by DL beam index#12 whilekeeping the number of beams during the DL beam sweeping period equal toM.

After decoding the PSS/SSS (351) and beam index sequence (352); UE cometo know the PCI and the DL beam index; hence the resources where it canperform measurements at physical layer on BRS. These measurementsindicate the estimate of signal strength of beam index#m and reported tohigher layer for cell mobility evaluations. Generically thesemeasurements are termed as BRS Reference Signal Received Power(BRS_RSRP) and BRS Reference Signal Received Quality (BRS_RSRQ)providing an estimate of signal strength on received beam from the celldetected by the UE. The UE needs to camp on the NR cell based on the BRSmeasurements i.e., BRS_RSRP/BRS_RSRQ of one or more coverage beams whichcan be summed or combined with some logic to derive cell quality metricused for idle mode mobility or inactive mode mobility during cellselection and/or cell re-selection. It may not be possible toaccommodate that the most essential or most important parameters (i.e.all the contents of MSI) in the MIB. This depends on the coveragerequirement and physical layer design. If it is not possible toaccommodate all the contents of minimum SI in one MIB then theparameters are distributed in two blocks i.e. MIB#1 and MIB#2. In suchscenario MIB#1 is transmitted on PBCH while MIB#2 is transmitted onSecondary Broadcast Channel (SBCH). In such scenario the MIB transmittedon PBCH in FIG. 3 is referred as first MIB. The SBCH can be PhysicalDownlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) scheduled by Physical Downlink ControlChannel (PDCCH). The MIB#1 transmitted on the PBCH is of fixed sizewhile the MIB#2 i.e., SIB1 transmitted on the SBCH is of variable size.

Similar to the PBCH cycle, a SBCH cycle which is frequency agnostic orfrequency dependent can be specified in 3GPP specification. For exampleif the PBCH cycle (310 a, 310 b, 310 c so on and so forth) is 20 ms thenthe SBCH cycle can be specified as 40 or 80 ms or some other value. TheSBCH cycle can also be indicated in PBCH. The SBCH cycle denotes theSBCH periodicity wherein the same contents of MIB#2 can be repeatedwithin the SBCH periodicity. The contents of MIB#2 i.e. second MIBchange across SBCH periodicity boundary. The scheduling informationincluded in the first MIB (MIB#1) indicates at least periodicity of thesecond MIB (MIB#2), namely, SIB1 transmitted on the SBCH. The schedulinginformation included in the first MIB (MIB#1) also indicates theresource information to receive the PDCCH for the PDSCH on which thesecond MIB (i.e. MIB#2) is scheduled. Apart from the schedulinginformation the first MIB includes a cell barring indication, wherein ifthe cell barring indication is set enabled, then the Cell 104 isconsidered as barred by the UE 102 for a certain pre-determined periodof time. In case of beamforming, the PBCH and SBCH transmission aresubject to DL beam sweeping over plurality of DL coverage beams in orderto reach UEs in entire cell coverage area. An offset between the PBCHand SBCH can either be specified as default offset or can be indicatedin the MIB#1 transmitted on PBCH.

In an embodiment, the minimum system information comprises one or moreof: system frame number (SFN), PLMN-Id, parameters to support cellselection i.e. camping parameters, barring information to access thecamped cell i.e. related to cell access, cell barring indication,indicator(s) whether other SI-block(s) periodically broadcasted orprovided on demand i.e. UE request, configuration for requesting otherSI-block(s) if on demand mechanism is allowed (e.g., RACH like), SCI foreach of the other SI-block(s) regardless of periodic broadcast orprovided on demand, global cell identifier, area identifier, schedulinginformation for broadcasted SI-block(s) i.e. related to SI-block(s)periodically broadcasted, bitmap indicating which SI-block(s) aresupported by the cell.

In some embodiments, one or more Master Information Block (MIB) ofdifferent size is defined and UE 102 identifies the size of MIB based ondetection of synchronization signal; wherein different synchronizationsignals are used for different MIB size.

In various embodiments, one or more MIB of different size is defined andUE 102 identifies the size of MIB based on detection of synchronizationsignal; wherein one of the primary synchronization signal (PSS) or thesecondary synchronization signal (SSS) is different for different MIBsize.

In some embodiments, the MIB size is dependent on the frequency ofoperation; wherein the MIB size is pre-defined for different operatingfrequency or operating frequency range.

In various embodiments, the MIB size is determined based on blinddecoding of the block comprising minimum SI and performing the CRC checkon the decoded block by the UE 102.

In some embodiments, there can be multiple MIB(s) defined wherein thesize of the first MIB is fixed and the size of the second MIB isindicated in the first MIB or determined based on one of the primary orsecondary synchronization signal or blindly decoded by the UE 102 orvariable in size.

In some embodiments, there can be multiple MIB(s) defined wherein theperiodicity of the first MIB is fixed and the periodicity of the secondMIB is indicated in the first MIB. In various embodiments, there can bemultiple MIB(s) defined wherein the presence of the second MIB isindicated in the first MIB.

The other parameters equivalent to LTE SIB1 and SIB2 which is theessential system information can be considered as contents of minimumSI. Therefore the cell-specific information such as cell selectionparameters, random access parameters and contents of minimum SI whichcannot be accommodated in MIB#1 can be constructed as an SI-block calledas MIB#2. For the sake of understanding let us term the contents ofMIB#1 as minimum SI and the other contents of minimum SI andcell-specific parameters accommodated in MIB#2 as essential SI. ThisSI-block i.e. MIB#2 can be transmitted on SBCH or can also be requestedon demand like other SI-block(s). The MIB#2 comprising essential SI ifbroadcasted periodically on the SBCH is decoded by the UE during theSBCH period similar to the PBCH period. The contents of the MIB#2 can beassociated with at least one of: a system configuration identifier/index(SCI), a valuetag, global cell identifier (GCI) and area identifier. TheDL beam sweeping period during SBCH transmission contains the MIB#2block and optionally BRS. During the DL beam sweeping period of SBCHplurality of DL coverage beams are transmitted consecutively in time indifferent directions to provide coverage to UEs in the area covered bysweeping the beams. The number of beams used for PBCH and SBCHtransmission is same. The SBCH may be addressed on the PDCCH/ePDCCH bythe SI-RNTI. The SBCH period consist of plurality of OFDM symbols andplurality of subcarriers of next generation such that the MIB#2 mayoccur in the minimum bandwidth or some other frequency resources of theentire DL system bandwidth. The size of the MIB#2 can be indicated inMIB#1 or in the DCI addressed by SI_RNTI.

The requirement to limit broadcast information in NR system employingbeamforming can be made possible if a large majority of parameters isnot directly visible on periodic broadcast but only provided on UErequest. This includes the Other SI-block(s) and possibly the MIB#2 aswell. In an embodiment, the System Configuration Index or SystemConfiguration Identifier (SCI) is an index/identifier which isassociated with a set of system information parameters and correspondingparameter values of a SI-block which are provided by the network on UErequest or broadcasted by the network. In NR system the MIB#1 and MIB#3is required to provide at least system information to enable the UE 102to camp on a cell and perform an initial access to send a request andreceive a response to receive the Other SI. In the present disclosurethe system information provisioned on demand or UE request is referredas “Other SI”.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating various signaling messages forprovisioning of SI based on request from the UE, according to anembodiment as disclosed herein. As depicted in the FIG. 4, at step 401,the 5G eNB or the gNB 103 periodically broadcasts the MSI i.e. MIB#1 andessential SI i.e. MIB#2 on the PBCH/SBCH. At step 402, after the UE 102powers ON, the UE 102 radio circuitry starts scanning the radiofrequency to detect synchronization signals transmitted every PBCHcycle.

In deployments, where the radio frequency belongs to mmWave/cmWavebands, the PBCH is subjected to beamforming techniques including thebeam sweeping operation. After detecting the synchronization signals andbeam index sequence, the UE 102 blindly decodes the PBCH on which MIB#1comprising some contents of MSI is broadcasted. The MIB#1 includes theSFN, cell barring indication and scheduling information to acquire theMIB#2.

At step 403, after acquiring the MIB#2 the UE 102 camps on the cell 104based on at least the cell selection, PLMN selection parameters and cellbarring parameters included in the MIB#2. The other parameters of MSIand cell-specific parameters such as random access parameters includedin MIB#2 are acquired after decoding SBCH if MIB#2 is periodicallybroadcasted.

At step 404, the UE 102 determines the resources to access the campedcell based on the configuration parameters for sending SI requestacquired from the minimum SI transmitted by the camped cell. In the MSIthe gNB 103 also broadcasts one or more SCI, one or more valuetags,global cell identifier (GCI) and area identifier. Each SCI or valuetagcorrespond to a SI block i.e. a set of system information parameters andcorresponding parameter values applicable for that SI block supported inthe cell. Since UE (102) has powered ON in the step 402, it does nothave any stored system information, so the UE 102 does not know themeaning of the one or more SCIs acquired from minimum SI. The UE 102needs to determine whether the required other SI-block(s) needs to beacquired from broadcast or can be acquired on demand by requesting fromthe gNB 103 serving the 5G cell 104.

In an embodiment, the System Configuration Index or System ConfigurationIdentifier (SCI) or a valuetag is an index/identifier which isassociated with a set of system information parameters and correspondingparameter values of a SIB-block which is provided by the network eitheron periodic broadcast or on UE request.

In some embodiments, the plurality of SCI and some contents of the MSIis transmitted in at least one SI block called the master informationblock (MIB).

In various embodiments, the UE 102 detects whether it is allowed torequest one or more other SI-block(s) from network based on one or moreof: the on demand indicator in minimum system information, the bitmapconcerning supported SI-block(s) in the cell and the schedulinginformation related to SI-block(s) transmitted in the MSI.

In some embodiments, each bit in the bitmap concerning supportedSI-block(s) in the cell indicates whether the corresponding SI-block orSI part/SI message is supported by the cell or not.

In various embodiments, the UE 102 detects whether it is allowed torequest one or more other SI-block(s) from the network (i.e., 5G eNB orgNB 103) based on the bitmap concerning supported SI-block(s) in thecell 104 and the absence of scheduling information related toSI-block(s) indicated as supported by the bitmap.

In various embodiments, the UE 102 detects whether it is allowed torequest one or more other SI-block(s) from network (i.e., 5G eNB or gNB103) based on the bitmap concerning supported SI-block(s) in the celland the presence of on demand indicator for those SI-block(s) indicatedas supported by the bitmap.

In some embodiments, the 102 UE detects whether it is allowed to requestone or more other SI-block(s) from network (i.e., 5G eNB or gNB 103)based on the presence of on demand indicator and absence of schedulinginformation related to SI-block(s) determined from schedulinginformation transmitted in the MSI.

In some embodiments, the UE 102 detects whether it is allowed to requestone or more essential SI-block(s) from network (i.e., 5G eNB or gNB 103)based on absence of scheduling information related to SI-block(s) in theMSI; wherein the essential SI-block(s) are mandatory SI-block(s) likeLTE SIB1, SIB2 etc.

In various embodiments, the UE 102 detects whether it is allowed torequest one or more essential SI-block(s) from network (i.e., 5G eNB orgNB 103) based on the presence of on demand indicator for one or moreessential SI-block(s) in minimum SI; wherein the essential SI-block(s)are mandatory SI-block(s) like LTE SIB1, SIB2 etc.

In some embodiments, multiple SCI or valuetags are broadcasted inminimum system information wherein each SCI or valuetag is associatedwith SI-block (or SI part or SI message) provided in other systeminformation either through periodic broadcast or by UE request i.e. ondemand.

In an embodiment, at least one of SCI, valuetag, GCI or area identifieris broadcasted in MIB#2 wherein SCI or valuetag or GCI or areaidentifier is associated with configuration of the SI-block (i.e. MIB#2configuration) transmitted on SBCH.

In various embodiments, a SI-block or SI message concern a set ofparameters that are functionality related and hence some similarscheduling requirements.

Before initiating the request for acquiring the Other SI-block(s)associated with the one or more SCI values acquired from MIB, UE 102checks the status of on demand indicator or flag acquired from the MSI,the bitmap concerning supported SI-block(s) in the cell 104 and thescheduling information related to SI-block(s) transmitted in MSI at step404. The broadcast indicator can be for each SI-block or for a set ofSI-block(s).

Depending on the SI-block(s), relevant for the cell, the SCI associatedwith the SI-block, the scheduling information and the SI requestconfiguration can be organized together in MIB#2. Then instead of anexplicit on demand indicator a bitmap to indicate the relevantSI-block(s) supported in the cell 104 needs to be included in the MSI.Based on the bitmap indicating supporting SI-block(s) in the cells 104,the following information can be grouped: a) SCI or valuetag associatedwith the SI-block, b) If periodically broadcasted: schedulinginformation of the SI-block and c) If not periodically broadcasted:configuration to request SI-block.

If the network (i.e., 5G eNB or gNB 103) is not broadcasting the OtherSI-blocks, then the UE 102 is required to initiate the procedure torequest the SI-block(s) it requires.

At step 405, based on the SI request configuration parameters andresources configured for cell access, the UE 102 transmits or sends therequest for obtaining the OSI. The request-response procedure as shownin the FIG. 4 may be a 2-step procedure or may involve more than twosteps.

The request may be in the form transmitting a preamble on a PRACHresource or some form of physical layer signal. The gNB 103 eitherdetects the transmitted preamble or performs energy detection toidentify the UE 102 has sent a request for the OSI.

If the request-response is a 2-step procedure, then at step 406, the gNB103 provides the OSI to the UE 102, else if the procedure involves morethan 2-steps then the gNB 103 provides uplink grant to the UE (102).

At step 407, after acquiring the OSI, the UE 102 applies the relevantconfiguration parameters according to one or more SCI acquired from theMIB#2. If the OSI includes set of system information parameters andcorresponding parameter values associated with SCI other than the SCIbroadcasted by the camped cell, then the UE 102 stores the configurationparameters as a configuration list associated with the correspondingSCI. If the network provides system information parameters andcorresponding parameter values associated with MIB#2 other than theMIB#2 of the camped cell, then the UE 102 stores the MIB#2 associatedwith the at least pne of: the SCI, the valuetag, the GCI or areaidentifier.

In an embodiment, a SI part or SI message can be either a one-to-onemapping between SI part/SI message and SI-block or multiple SI-block(s)are bundled as one SI part/SI message; wherein the mapping between SIpart/SI message and SI-block is either fixed or configurable.

In an embodiment, if the mapping between SI part/SI message and SI-blockis configurable then such configuration information related to mappingis provided in the MSI.

In some embodiments, the scheduling information related to SI-block(s)supported in the cell includes the mapping between SI part/SI messageand one or more SI-block(s), periodicity of the SI message, SI messagebroadcast window and an indicator whether the SI message is provided ondemand or periodically broadcasted; wherein the periodicity of the SImessage is with reference to start of system modification period.

In some embodiments, the MSI indicates whether an SI (e.g. SIB) isperiodically broadcasted or provided on demand or based on the request.In order to obtain the one or more SIBs which are not periodicallybroadcasted and are provided on demand, the UE initiates the SIrequest/response procedure described in the FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating various signaling messages forsystem information request response based on random access procedure,according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The SI request/responseprocedure is based on the random access procedure.

At step 501, the UE 102 receives the MSI periodically broadcasted by the5G eNB or the gNB 103. If the UE 102 intends to obtain one or more SIBswhich are not periodically broadcasted and are provided based on requestfrom the UE 102, the UE at step 502 transmits PRACH preamble i.e.message1 (MSG1) to the gNB 103. The on demand indicator in the MSIindicates which SIBs are provided upon UE request. The MSI indicatespreamble/PRACH resources are not reserved for SI request. The preambletransmitted at step 502, is an unreserved preamble randomly selected bythe UE 102.

At step 503, the UE 102 receives random access response (RAR i.e. MSG2)from the gNB 103. In the UL grant received in the random access responsecorresponding to the PRACH preamble transmitted by the UE 102, the UE102 sends system information request message i.e. MSG3 at step 504.

It should be noted that all the UEs may not need all the SIBs. Thus, theUE 102 indicates the one or more SIBs as it needs (e.g. by includingeither associated SCI or SIB type) in the system information requestmessage (MSG3) transmitted at step 504.

The gNB 103 sends the requested SIB(s) in system information responsemessage (MSG4) at step 505. The system information response message canbe signaled in broadcast or dedicated manner. The broadcast of requestedSIBs occurs in the SI window according scheduling information includedin MSI, the other UEs which are interested in same SI need not performpreamble transmission, thereby saving battery power and resources.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are sequence diagrams illustrating various signalingmessages for the system information request response based on the randomaccess procedure, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the SI request/response procedure can be furtherenhanced as shown in FIG. 6A. The PRACH preamble or PRACH resource canbe reserved for requesting SI. The reservation of PRACH preamble orPRACH resource is indicated in MSI. At step 601, the PRACH preamble(s)or PRACH resource(s) for requesting the SI provided on demand can beindicated in periodically broadcasted MSI. If the UE 102 intends toobtain one or more SIBs which are not periodically broadcasted and areprovided based on the request from the UE (i.e., on demand), the UE 102,at step 602, transmits the PRACH SI preamble (MSG1). The UE 102transmits PRACH preamble reserved for requesting the SI as indicated inthe MSI. If the PRACH preamble is not reserved but PRACH resource isreserved then an unreserved preamble randomly selected by the UE istransmitted on the reserved PRACH resource as indicated in the MSI. Thereserved PRACH resource is a time-frequency resource reserved forrequested SI provided on demand.

At step 603, the gNB 103 sends some SI (e.g. non-service specificinformation such as inter frequency/RAT cell reselection informationwhich are needed by each UE and are not included in the MSI) in randomaccess response message (MSG2). Such non-service specific informationlike re-selection parameters is essential SI required by the UE 102 foridle mode mobility. The gNB 103 may also include UL grant in randomaccess response message.

In an embodiment, the preamble used by UE at step 602 can indicatewhether UE needs UL grant for sending SI request i.e. MSG3 or not.

In an embodiment, the preamble used by UE at step 602 can indicatewhether the UE 102 needs some SI in RAR i.e. MSG2 or not. If the UE 102needs additional SI, the UE 102 sends system information request message(MSG3) in the UL grant at step 604. The UE 102 indicates the one or moreSIBs it needs in system information request message (e.g. by includingeither associated SCI or SIB type) at step 604. Further, the gNB 103sends the requested SIB(s) in the system information response message(MSG4) at step 605.

In some embodiments, the SI request/response procedure is an alternativeprocedure as shown in the FIG. 6B when either the PRACH preamble orPRACH resource is reserved. PRACH preamble or time-frequency PRACHresource can be reserved for requesting SI provided on demand asindicated in MSI. At step 611, the PRACH preamble(s) or time-frequencyPRACH resources for requesting the SI provided on demand can beindicated in periodically broadcasted MSI. If the UE 102 intends toobtain one or more SIBs which are not periodically broadcasted and areprovided based on request, the UE 102, at step 612, transmits PRACH SIpreamble (MSG1). The UE 102 transmits the PRACH preamble reserved forrequesting SI as indicated in MSI. If the PRACH preamble is not reservedand the time-frequency PRACH resource is reserved then the preamble istransmitted on the reserved time-frequency PRACH resource, wherein thetransmitted preamble is an unreserved preamble randomly selected by theUE. It should be noted that, instead of including the requested systeminformation in random access response message (i.e. MSG2), the requestedsystem information can be transmitted in one or more subframes indicatedby scheduling information.

The scheduling information is provided in the MSI for each SIB or set ofSIBs irrespective of whether they are periodically broadcasted or onprovided based on request from the UE 102. If the scheduling informationis not included in the MSI, at step 611, alternately the schedulinginformation can be included in RAR at step 613 to minimize overhead ofminimum SI. Similar to LTE-SI scheduling information the NR-SIscheduling information may indicate the SI-window and SI-periodicity.The PRACH SI preamble transmission, at step 612 acts as a trigger totransmit the requested SIB(s) according to NR-SI scheduling information.The Random access response message (i.e. MSG2) received at step 613acknowledges that PRACH SI preamble transmission is successful. If theRAR is not received at step 613 UE 102 retransmits the PRACH SIpreamble. At step 614, the 5G gNB 103 broadcasts the requested SIBs atstep 612, in the respective SI-windows as indicated in the schedulinginformation included in MSI at step 611.

In the above described embodiments, according to FIG. 5, if a SI isbroadcasted based on request from the UE 102, then before initiatingsystem information request, the UE 102 checks the MSI or look for OSIbroadcast for a pre-defined time interval. If desired SI is not receivedduring this pre-defined time, then the UE 102 initiates systeminformation request. In the above described procedures, according toFIGS. 6A and 6B, the UE 102 can look for one of: on demand SI indicatorand/or scheduling information in RAR for a pre-defined time intervalbefore initiating system information request. Whether a particular SI isbroadcasted or not can also be indicated in the periodically broadcastedMSI.

In an embodiment, a SCI or valuetag or GCI or area identifier can beassociated with SI-block comprising minimum SI parameters which cannotbe included in MIB#1 and some important cell-specific parameters likecell selection parameters and cell access parameters; wherein such aSI-block can be termed as comprising essential system information i.e.MIB#2 or SIB1.

In various embodiments, at least two preambles are reserved for SCIassociated with SI-block comprising minimum SI parameters which cannotbe included in MIB and some important cell-specific parameters; whereinone preamble indicates transmission of UL grant in random accessresponse (RAR) along with SI parameters and another preamble indicatestransmission of only SI parameters in RAR without UL grant.

In an embodiment, the on demand indicator that indicates UE 102 isallowed to request one or more other SI-block(s) from the gNB 103 andthe bitmap concerning supported SI-block(s) in the cell is transmittedin the RAR.

In an embodiments, when the UE 102 requests one or more otherSI-block(s) on demand from the gNB 103, the scheduling information ofthe requested SI-block(s); if decided to be broadcasted by the network;can be included in one of the RAR, Message 4 (MSG4), SI Response messageor can be already included in minimum SI or essential SI; wherein thescheduling information comprises the mapping between SI part/SI messageand one or more SI-block(s), periodicity of the SI message and SImessage broadcast window.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating various signaling messages forprovisioning of configuration list corresponding to requestedSI-block(s) based on UE storage capability to store multipleconfigurations, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

In an embodiments, the procedure to obtain one or more SIBs which arenot periodically broadcasted and are provided based on the request fromthe UE (i.e., on demand) is illustrated in FIG. 7.

At step 701, the UE 102 obtains the MSI from the periodic broadcast. Ifthe UE 102 is in idle or inactive state as at step 702, and intents toobtain one or more SIBs which are not periodically broadcasted and areprovided on demand, the UE 102 at step 703 transmits PRACH preamble. TheUE 102 transmits PRACH preamble (if reserved) or unreserved preamble forrequesting the SI. At step 704, the gNB 103 sends the random accessresponse (RAR) message i.e. MSG2 which can either be an acknowledgementfor reception of preamble and further includes UL grant for MSG3transmission and optionally non-service specific information such asinter frequency/RAT cell re-selection info needed by the UE. Further,the UE 102 in Idle/inactive state performs connection setup/resumeprocedure (as at step 705 to step 707) and enters the connected state.Upon successful connection establishment procedure or successfulconnection resume procedure the UE enters connected state or active modeat step 708.

At step 709, the gNB 103 may request capability of connected UEassociated with SI storage. In response, at step 710, the UE 102includes its capability related to storage of the system information.This is useful for gNB 103 to determine if multiple SI configurations ormultiple versions of the same SI-block can be stored by the UE 102 andaccordingly the gNB 103 provides the list of SI configurations at step711. It is to be noted that gNB 103 may provide the list of SIconfiguration unsolicited by the UE 102 or may provide the same to theUE 102 based on request from the UE 102.

In an alternate embodiment, after the step 704, the UE may not enter RRCconnected state and send the SI request to gNB 103 after step 704. TheUE 102 may include its SI storage capability in the request message i.e.MSG3 sent at step 705. Accordingly, the gNB 103 may provide one or moreSI configurations for the SI requested by the UE 102.

In some embodiments, the gNB 103 provides the UE 102 with one or moreconfiguration for each SI-block or SI part/SI message wherein eachconfiguration of the SI-block or SI part/SI message is associated with aSystem configuration index or system configuration identifier (SCI) or avaluetag.

In various embodiments, the UE 102 is provided with a configuration listcorresponding to each SI-block or SI part requested by the UE 102wherein, the transmission of a single configuration or plurality ofconfiguration corresponding to the requested SI-block or SI part isdecided by network based on UE's SI storage capability.

In some embodiments, the UE's capability to store plurality ofconfigurations corresponding to SI-block requested is informed to thenetwork (i.e., gNB 103); wherein the capability can be indicated duringthe request procedure or after the request procedure.

In some embodiments, when the network provides one or more configurationfor each SI-block or SI part/SI message, then if the UE 102 which doesnot have the capability to store multiple configurations correspondingto the SI-block identifies the configuration applicable in the servingcell based on the SCI broadcasted in minimum SI and stores the relevantconfiguration while discarding other configurations not applicable inthe serving cell.

In an embodiment, for UE storage capability management, when the UEdetects certain SCI associated with a SI-block or SI part/SI message israrely broadcasted by the network in minimum SI, then the UE can deletethe stored configuration corresponding to the less frequentlybroadcasted SCI.

In some embodiments, for UE storage capability management, the UE 102prioritizes the storage of plurality of configurations corresponding toone or more SI-block(s) or SI part/SI message(s) for which theassociated SCI change occurs more frequently during mobility from onecell to another compared to plurality of configurations corresponding toone or more SI-block(s) or SI part/SI message(s) for which theassociated SCI is rarely detected in broadcast of minimum SI.

In an embodiment, the UE 102 prioritizes the storage of plurality ofconfigurations corresponding to essential-SI block(s) over plurality ofconfigurations corresponding to other SI-block(s).

In an embodiment, the UE 102 prioritizes the storage of plurality ofconfigurations corresponding to SI-block(s) related to the service(s) inwhich UE is interested and essential SI-block(s).

In an embodiment, for SCI range management, if a certain SCI associatedwith a SI-block or SI part/SI message is broadcasted by network inminimum SI and the configuration corresponding to the SI-block isalready provided to the UE 102, then the same SCI value is notassociated with a different configuration for the corresponding SI-blockfor a pre-determined time period (e.g. 24 hours).

FIG. 8 is an example illustration in which change in systemconfiguration index acquired from MSI during cell re-selection isexplained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. As shown inthe FIG. 8 a group of cells i.e. Cell#1, Cell#2 and Cell#3 have the sameset of SI for some SI-block/SI message called Common SI or area-specificSI. The Common SI or area-specific SI is associated with SCI#1 (i.e.,covering the area of Cell#1, Cell#2 and Cell#3). However, the localcell-specific information or non-service specific information like thecell re-selection parameters applicable to the respective cells isdifferent where the index associated with cell-specific SI-block isdifferent in respective cells e.g., SCI#4 associated with cell-specificSI-block of Cell#1, SCI#5 associated with cell-specific SI-block ofCell#2 and SCI#6 associated with cell-specific SI-block of Cell#3.Similarly the area covering Cell#4 and Cell#5 has a differentconfiguration for the Common SI or area-specific information representedby SCI#2 than the Common SI or area-specific information represented bySCI#1. Likewise, the cell-specific SI applicable to Cell#4 and Cell#5 isdifferent. For example, SCI#8 associated with cell-specific SI-block ofCell#4 and SCI#10 associated with cell-specific SI-block of Cell#5.Consider that the UE 102 is in Cell#1, where the UE 102 detects SCI#4for cell-specific SI-block or non-service specific SI-block and SCI#1for SI-block(s)/SI message associated with Common SI or area-specificSI. The UE 102 has acquired the configuration associated with SCI#1 andSCI#4 either through cell broadcast or on demand by requesting from thenetwork. When the UE 102 moves from Cell#1 to Cell#3 then the UE 102detects in the MSI that SCI#1 associated with Common SI or area-specificSI-block(s) remains same whilst the index associated with cell-specificSI-block has changed from SCI#4 to SCI#6. During the mobility fromCell#1 to Cell#3 when the UE acquires the first MIB from Cell#3 then theUE determines either to acquire second MIB from Cell#3 or bar Cell#3 fora pre-determined period of time based on cell barring indicationincluded in the first MIB. The UE 102 acquires second MIB from Cell#3 ifthe received cell barring indication in acquired first MIB is disabled.The second MIB includes plurality of SCI, valuetag, GCI, area identifierand essential parameters for camping and cell access. The UE 102 furtherdetermines either to camp on Cell#3 or bar Cell#3 for a pre-determinedperiod of time based on the contents of second MIB. If the UE 102 failsto acquire the second MIB from Cell#3 then the UE 102 considers Cell#3barred for a pre-determined period time. If the UE 102 is successful inacquiring the second MIB transmitted on the SBCH by Cell#3 then thechecks if full contents of second MIB are received. If the UE 102receives the cell selection parameters in the acquired second MIB thenCell#3 is considered candidate for camping. If UE 102 does not receivefull contents of second MIB then based on at least one of received SCI,valuetag, GCI or area-identifier in the acquired second MIB the UE 102checks if it has valid stored essential parameters associated with atleast one of: the acquired SCI, valuetag, GCI or area-identifier. Ifvalid stored essential parameters exists for the acquired SCI oracquired valuetag or acquired GCI or acquired area identifier thenCell#3 is considered candidate for camping. The UE may have received thesecond MIB from some other cell eg. Cell#1 or from some other frequencyand stored the second MIB, wherein the stored second MIB correspondswith at least one SCI, valuetag, GCI or area identifier received in thesecond MIB acquired from Cell#3. If the UE 102 does not receiveessential parameters in second MIB from Cell#3 and does not have validstored essential parameters associated with second MIB of Cell#3 thenthe UE 102 considers the Cell#3 as barred for a pre-determined period oftime. If the UE 102 already has stored configuration associated withSCI#6, then the UE 102 applies that configuration in Cell#3 while theconfiguration corresponding to Common SI or area-specific SI-block(s)remains same. Otherwise, if the UE 102 does not have storedconfiguration associated with SCI#6 then either it acquires it from cellbroadcast or requests it from the network. Therefore, while moving fromCell#1 to Cell#3 there is no need to re-acquire the Common SI orarea-specific SI-block(s) and the need to re-acquire cell-specific SIdepends on stored configurations.

Such approach to avoid frequent re-acquiring or request of SI due toUE's mobility is desirable for battery power savings of the UE 102. In atypical deployment, different configurations of each SI-block/SI message(mostly cell-specific SI or non-service specific SI-block(s)) may beused in different parts of network. The list of these configurationsapplicable in different parts of the network of the same PLMN can beprovided to the UE 102, upon request. Each configuration in theconfiguration list of a SI-block/SI message is identified by theindex/SCI of that configuration in the configuration list. The UE 102stores the list of configurations. The index/SCI of configurationassociated with each SI-block/SI message used in the cell is broadcastedin the MSI. When the UE 102 performs cell re-selection and the UE 102has the configuration corresponding to index/SCI of a SI-block/SImessage broadcasted in that cell, UE do not need to re-acquire orrequest that SI-block. The UE 102 re-acquires or requests for aSI-block/SI message only, when it does not have the configurationcorresponding to the index/SCI of that SI-block broadcasted in the cell.

Addition of a new SI-block in future release would result in SCI to bedefined for the newly added SI-block. This does not have any impact tolegacy UEs because they will simply ignore the new SCI associated withnew SI-block. Newly defined SCI need to be broadcasted in minimum SIresulting in size increase. However newly defined SCI can be included inessential SI-block i.e. MIB#2 instead of MIB#1.

Addition of new SI-block in a future release to a SI part/SI messagewhich was defined in previous release including old SI-block(s). e.g. SImessage#1: {SIB#3,SIB#4} in old release and in new release SI message#1:{SIB#3,SIB#4,SIB#10} wherein SIB#10 is added to SI message#1 becauseSIB#10 has similar functionality like SIB#3 and SIB#4. This does notresult in new SCI and hence minimum SI size is not increased. This maynot have impact to legacy UEs provided legacy UEs discard old storedconfiguration associated with SI message#1 and apply new configurationfor SI message#1 ignoring the configuration of SIB#10. However if SCIassociated with SI message#1 changes due to configuration change ofSIB#10 then legacy UEs unnecessarily have to acquire new configurationwhere configuration of SIB#3 and SIB#4 has not changed compared tostored configuration.

Addition of new parameters to existing SI-block in future release maynot result in newly defined SCI. e.g., SIB#3: {parameter a, parameter b}in old release and in new release SIB#3: {parameter a, parameter b,parameter c, parameter d} wherein newly added parameter c and parameterd to SIB#3 enhance the functionality for new UEs. This does not resultin new SCI and hence minimum SI size is not increased. This may not haveimpact to legacy UEs provided legacy UEs discard old storedconfiguration associated with SIB#3 and apply new configuration forSIB#3 ignoring the newly added parameters c and d. However if SCIassociated with SIB#3 changes due to parameter value change ofparameters c and d then legacy UEs unnecessarily have to acquire newconfiguration of SIB#3 where parameter values of a and b has not changedcompared to stored configuration.

Addition of new parameter values to existing parameter in future releasemay not result in newly defined SCI. For example, parameter a: {valuea1, value a2} in old release and in new release parameter a: {value a1,value a2, value a3, value a4}, wherein newly added values a3 and a4added to parameter a; extends the functionality for new UEs. This doesnot result in new SCI and hence minimum SI size is not increased. Thismay not have impact to legacy UEs provided new parameter values areadded as adding new parameter while retaining old parameter. Legacy UEsdiscard new parameter ‘a’ and apply old parameter ‘a’ while new UEsdiscard old parameter ‘a’ and apply new parameter ‘a’. However, if SCIchanges due to newly added parameter values then legacy UEsunnecessarily have to acquire new configuration of old parameter ‘a’ andnew parameter ‘a’ where old parameter values of ‘a’ has not changed.Similarly a new parameter may also be added in new release resulting ina new configuration identified by a new SCI value. So legacy UEsunnecessarily have to acquire new configuration. Therefore, a mechanismis required for extension of SI-block(s) or SI-messages in futurereleases where upon extending the SI with new information elements orparameters or new parameter values do not have impact on legacy UEoperation. Various methods for extension are described below:

In an embodiment list of configurations of system information (e.g. SIB)can be provided to UE. The list may include configurations of variousreleases irrespective of release supported by UE. This can avoidrequests but UE has to store more information. Consider that, for asystem information (e.g. SIB X), Release X of NR has three parameters A,B, C; Release X+1 of NR has four parameters A, B, C, D; Release X+2 ofNR has five parameters A, B, C, D, E. Network supports all thesereleases. Let's say cell#1 broadcast index 1, cell#2 broadcast index 2and cell#3 broadcast index 3. The configuration corresponding to theseindexes are as follows: Config 1: {A1, B1, C1} associated with index1/SCI#1; Config 2: {A1, B1, C1, D1} associated with index 2/SCI#2 andConfig 3: {A1, B1, C1, D1, E1} associated with index 3/SCI#3. When UErequests for system information, say SIBX in cell#1 it is provided withall the three configurations. So when UE moves to cell#2 or cell#3 thereis no need to request again.

In some embodiments, system information configuration identified by anSCI, includes one or more list of SCIs of the system informationconfigurations which includes the parameters/values in thisconfiguration wherein list is specific to a release. Consider that, fora system information (e.g. SIB X), Release X of NR has three parametersA, B, C; Release X+1 of NR has four parameters A, B, C, D; Release X+2of NR has five parameters A, B, C, D, E. Network supports all thesereleases. The configuration corresponding to these indexes are asfollows: Config 1: {A1, B1, C1} associated with index 1/SCI#1; Config 2:{A1, B1, C1, D1} associated with index 2/SCI#2 and Config 3: {A1, B1,C1, D1, E1} associated with index 3/SCI#3.

The list of SCIs included for various configurations in this example isshown below: In this case the configuration includes list of SCIs of all(including this configuration) configurations of each release whichincludes this configuration.

-   -   Config 1: {A1, B1, C1}→Index 1        -   Release X: index 1, 2, 3        -   Release X+1: index 1        -   Release X+2: index 1    -   Config 2: {A1, B1, C1, D1}→Index 2        -   Release X: index 1, 2, 3        -   Release X+1: index 2, 3        -   Release X+2: index 2    -   Config 3: {A1, B1, C1, D1, E1}→Index 3        -   Release X: index 1, 2, 3        -   Release X+1: index 2, 3        -   Release X+2: index 3

In this case configuration 1 includes a list of SCIs for release X whichcontains index 1/SCI#1, index 2/SCI#2 and index 3/SCI#3. This means thatfor release X UE this configuration which is identified by index 1/SCI#1is also included in configuration with index 2/SCI#2 and index 3/SCI#3.In other words index 1/SCI#1, index 2/SCI#2 and index 3/SCI#3 areequivalent. Release X UE can use this configuration irrespective ofwhether cell is broadcasting index 1 or index 2 or index 3.Configuration 1 also includes a list of SCIs for release X+1 whichcontains only index 1/SCI#1. Configuration 1 also includes a list ofSCIs for release X+2 which contains only index 1/SCI#1.

Alternately, the list of SCIs included for various configurations inthis example is shown below: The list only includes indexes of otherconfigurations which has same configuration. If list of SCIs for aparticular release is not present then it means this configuration isnot present in another configuration.

-   -   Config 1: {A1, B1, C1}→Index 1        -   Release X: index 2, 3    -   Config 2: {A1, B1, C1, D1}→Index 2        -   Release X: index 1, 3        -   Release X+1: index 3    -   Config 3: {A1, B1, C1, D1, E1}→Index 3        -   Release X: index 1, 2        -   Release X+1: index 2

Consider that cell#1 broadcast index 1, cell#2 broadcast index 2 andcell#3 broadcast index 3. The UE 102 obtains configuration 1 in cell#1.When the UE 102 with release X moves to cell#2, it does not have torequest as it knows index 1 and 2 have same value for release X. When UEwith release X+1 or X+2 moves to cell#2, it requests as for index 1 andindex 2 does not have same configuration for release X+1 and X+2.

In some embodiments, in addition to broadcasting the configuration indexused in the cell, cell also broadcasts the list of indexes which hassame configuration as this index for a particular release. Considerthat, for a system information (e.g. SIB X), Release X of NR has threeparameters A, B, C; Release X+1 of NR has four parameters A, B, C, D;Release X+2 of NR has five parameters A, B, C, D, E. Network supportsall these releases. The configuration corresponding to these indexes areas follows: Config 1: {A1, B1, C1} associated with index 1/SCI#1; Config2: {A1, B1, C1, D1} associated with index 2/SCI#2 and Config 3: {A1, B1,C1, D1, E1} associated with index 3/SCI#3. Let's say cell#1 is release Xand uses Config 1, cell#2 is release X+1 and uses Config 2 and cell#3 isrelease X+2 and uses Config 3. The indexes broadcasted by these cellsare as follows:

-   -   Config 1: {A1, B1, C1}→Index 1

Cell using this configuration broadcast index 1

-   -   Config 2: {A1, B1, C1, D1}→Index 2

Cell using this configuration broadcast index 2. It also broadcast thatfor Release X UE index 1 and 2 are same.

-   -   Config 3: {A1, B1, C1, D1, E1}→Index 3

Cell using this configuration broadcast index 3. It also broadcast thatfor Release X UE index 1, 2 and 3 are same. It also broadcast that forRelease X+1 UE index 2 and 3 are same.

The UE 102 obtains configuration 1 in cell#1 of Release X it sees onlyindex 1. When the UE 102 of release X moves to cell#2 of Release X+1, itsee list of indexes from Cell#2 (i.e. index 1 and index 2) meant for UEof release X. For release X, the UE 102 does not have to request asindex 1 and 2 have same meaning. Further, when the UE 102 moves toCell#3 it see list of indexes from Cell#3 (i.e. index 1, index 2 andindex 3) meant for UE of release X. For release X, the UE 102 does nothave to request as index 1, 2 and 3 have same meaning and UE already hasconfiguration associated with index 1.

A UE of release X+1 in cell#1 of release X will behave like a legacy UEof release X. When UE of release X+1 move to cell#2 from Cell#1 it justhad configuration 1 from Cell#1 and it does not find any list of indexesfrom Cell#2 meant for UEs of release X+1 (i.e. only index 2). Since UEof release X+2 does not see a list of indexes meant for it then UE ofrelease X+1 request the configuration for index 2. Same operation isperformed by UE of release X+2.

In some embodiments, if a configuration is same for several indexes thenlist of indexes for which this configuration is same can be provided. Ifthe UE 102 moves from one cell to another cell broadcasting differentindex, it does not request if the configuration used in the old cell hasall parameters according to release supported by the UE 102 and indexbroadcasted in new cell is included in the index list of configurationused in old cell. Consider that, for a system information (e.g. SIB X),Release X of 5G system, has three parameters A, B, C; Release X+1 of 5Ghas four parameters A, B, C, D; Release X+2 of 5G has five parameters A,B, C, D, E. Network supports all these releases. The configurationcorresponding to these indexes are as follows: Config 1: {A1, B1, C1}associated with index 1/SCI#1; Config 2: {A1, B1, C1, D1} associatedwith index 2/SCI#2 and Config 3: {A1, B1, C1, D1, E1} associated withindex 3/SCI#3. The index list for each of these configuration is asfollows:

-   -   Config 1: {A1, B1, C1}→Index list: 1, 2, 3 (Index of        configurations which includes these parameters/values)    -   Config 2: {A1, B1, C1, D1}→Index list: 2, 3    -   Config 3: {A1, B1, C1, D1, E1}→Index List: 3

The UE 102 is in cell#1 and has configuration 1. The UE 102 moves tocell#2. If UE is of release X, it does not request as it knows thatparameters it needs are same for index 1 and index 2. If the UE 102 isrelease X+1, it knows that for SIBX there are four parameters as perspecification and Config 1 has only three parameters, so when it goes tocell 2 broadcasting index 2 it requests. Similarly UE of release X+2, itknows that for SIBX there are five parameters as per specification andConfig 1 has only three parameters, so when it goes to cell#2 itrequests.

Further, if the UE 102 moves to cell#3 from cell#2. If the UE 102 is ofrelease X, the UE 102 does not request as the UE 102 knows thatparameters it needs are same for index 1, index 2 and index 3. If the UE102 is of release X+1, it knows that parameters it needs are same forindex 2 and index 3 and the UE 102 has obtained configuration 2 when ithas moved to cell#2. If the UE 102 is of release X+2, it knows that forSIBX there are five parameters as per specification and Config 2 hasonly four parameters, Config 1 has only three parameters, so when itgoes to cell#3 it requests. It should be noted that, if release X UEfirst enters cell#2 and requests SI, configuration 1 can be providedbased on release of UE. UE can include its release info in SI request.

In some embodiments, in a configuration index of configurations whichincludes parameters/values of this configuration and/or index ofconfigurations whose parameters/values are fully included in thisconfiguration are provided. The highest release for which thisconfiguration is valid is also included in configuration. Consider thatfor a system information (e.g. SIB X), Release X of NR has threeparameters A, B, C; Release X+1 of NR has four parameters A, B, C, D;Release X+2 of NR has five parameters A, B, C, D, E. Network supportsall these releases. The configuration corresponding to these indexes areas follows: Config 1: {A1, B1, C1} associated with index 1/SCI#1; Config2: {A1, B1, C1, D1} associated with index 2/SCI#2, Config 3: {A1, B1,C1, D1, E1} associated with index 3/SCI#3, and Config 4: {A1, B1, C1,D2, E2} associated with index 4/SCI#4. The index list for each of theseconfiguration is as follows:

-   -   Config 1: {A1, B1, C1}→Index list: 1, 2, 3, 4; Highest Release:        X    -   Config 2: {A1, B1, C1, D1}→Index list: 1, 2, 3; Highest Release:        X+1    -   Config 3: {A1, B1, C1, D1, E1}→Index List: 1, 2, 3: Highest        Release: X+2    -   Config 4: {A1, B1, C2, D2, E2}→Index List: 1, 4: Release: X+2

In this embodiment, when UE moves from Cell#A to Cell#B, and if index ischanged from index P to Index Q, then UE does not request if: Index Q isincluded in index list of a configuration whose release is greater thanor equal to MIN (UE release, Cell release). The UE extract parametersfrom configuration according to release=MIN (UE release, Cell release).

FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating various modules of a 5G eNB 103,according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The primary blockspresent in the 5G eNB 103 for communication with the UE 102 include acommunication module 902, a control signaling module 904, a processormodule 906, a memory module 908 and a radio resource management module910. In an embodiment of, the communication module 902 is configured tobroadcast synchronization signal, PBCH and SBCH to plurality of UEs. Inanother embodiment, the communication module 902 is configured toreceive and detect system information request from plurality of UEs. Inyet another embodiment of, the communication module 902 is configured totransmit system information response message to plurality of UEs. In anembodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 902 isconfigured to communicate RRC signaling to and from the UE 102. Forexample, the wireless communication module 902 in a 5G eNB 103 can beconfigured to communicate the system information table (SIT) to one ormore UEs 102 a, 102 b, 102 c. Further, the communication module 902 inthe 5G eNB 103 can be configured to transmit and receive data from oneor more UEs 102 a, 102 b, 102 c according to physical layer waveform andcoding for next generation wireless system. The control signaling module904 in 5G eNB 103 can be configured to prepare the related RRC messagesto be transmitted to the UE 102 and also can be configured to parse therelated RRC message received from the UE.

Further, the control signaling module 904 in the 5G eNB 103 can beconfigured to determine the bearer to be transmitted over withinrespective cells in the eNB's. The bearer described herein can either bea Data Radio Bearer (DRB) or a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB). Theselection of a bearer is based on several variables, which include forexample, but are not limited to, Quality of Service requirements (QoS),traffic characteristics of the bearer, and load and coverage area of theserving cell of eNB. The processor module 906 depicts a computingenvironment implementing the method for provisioning MSI for the UE inthe next generation wireless system 100, according to the embodiments asdisclosed herein. The computing environment of 906 comprises at leastone processing unit that is equipped with a control unit and anArithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a clock chip, plurality of networkingdevices, and a plurality Input output (I/O) devices. The processormodule 1506 is responsible for processing the instructions of thealgorithm. The processing unit receives commands from the control unitin order to perform its processing. Further, any logical and arithmeticoperations involved in the execution of the instructions are computedwith the help of the ALU. The overall computing environment can becomposed of multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous cores, multiple CPUsof different kinds, special media and other accelerators. The processingunit is responsible for processing the instructions of the algorithm.The algorithm comprising of instructions and codes required for theimplementation are stored in either the memory module 908 or the storageor both. At the time of execution, the instructions may be fetched fromthe corresponding memory module 908 or storage unit, and executed by theprocessing unit. The processing unit synchronizes the operations andexecutes the instructions based on the timing signals generated by theclock chip. The embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed hereincan be implemented through at least one software program running on atleast one hardware device and performing network management functions tocontrol the elements. The methods shown in the FIG. 4A and FIG. 4Binclude various units, blocks, modules, or steps described in relationwith methods, processes, algorithms, or systems of the presentdisclosure, which can be implemented using any general purpose processorand any combination of programming language, application, and embeddedprocessor. Further, the memory module 908 is also configured to storeinformation related to operation of the 5G eNB103 and the UE 102. Thememory module 908 can be configured to store various UE relatedconfigurations when UE is in connected mode and UE capabilities for oneor more UEs 102 a, 102 b, 102 c and so on. The radio resource managementmodule 910 is responsible for various aspects like beam level mobilityand cell level mobility etc. The radio resource management module 910 inthe 5G eNB 103 may be configured to evaluate the handover decisionsbased on the BRS measurement reports sent by one or more UEs. The 5G eNB103 receives the measurement reports from one or more UEs 102 a, 102 b,102 c etc and decide to perform handover for that particular UE.Similarly, radio resource management module 910 in the 5G eNB 103 can beconfigured to receive the CSI-RS RSRP measurements for handling themeasurement set and candidate set for beam level mobility handling forone or more UEs 102 a, 102 b, 102 c etc.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating various modules of the UE 102according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The primary blockspresent for communication include a communication module 912, a controlsignaling module 914, a processor module 916, a memory module 918, aradio resource management module 920 and a display module 922. In anembodiment, the communication module 912 is configured to decode thesynchronization signal, the beam index sequence, PBCH and SBCHbroadcasted by 5G eNB. In another embodiment, the communication module912 is configured to transmit the request for acquiring SIT on theresource configured by the eNB 103. In yet another embodiment, thecommunication module 912 is configured to receive system informationresponse message transmitted by the 5G eNB. In an embodiment, thecommunication module 912 is configured to communicate RRC signaling toand from the 5G eNB 103. For example, the wireless communication module912 in the UE 102 can be configured to communicate to request for SITupdate, measurement report and RRC reconfiguration complete message tothe 5G eNB 103. Further, the communication module 912 in the UE 102 canperform random access procedure on the cell of the next generation RATserved by the 5G eNB 103. Further, the communication module 912 in theUE 102 can be configured to transmit and receive data from the 5G eNB103 according to physical layer waveform and coding assumed for nextgeneration wireless system. The control signaling module 914 in the UE102 can be configured to prepare the related RRC messages to betransmitted to the 5G eNB 103 and also can be configured to parse therelated RRC message received from the 5G eNB 103. The processor module916 depicts a computing environment in the UE 102 for implementing amethod for provisioning MSI for the UE in the next generation wirelesssystem 100, according to the embodiments as disclosed herein. Thecomputing environment of 916 comprises at least one processing unit thatis equipped with a control unit and an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), aclock chip, plurality of networking devices, and a plurality Inputoutput (I/O) devices. The processor module 916 is responsible forprocessing the instructions of the algorithm. The processing unitreceives commands from the control unit in order to perform itsprocessing. Further, any logical and arithmetic operations involved inthe execution of the instructions are computed with the help of the ALU.The overall computing environment can be composed of multiplehomogeneous or heterogeneous cores, multiple CPUs of different kinds,special media and other accelerators. The processing unit is responsiblefor processing the instructions of the algorithm. The algorithmcomprising of instructions and codes required for the implementation arestored in either the memory module 918 or the storage or both. At thetime of execution, the instructions may be fetched from thecorresponding memory module 918 or storage unit, and executed by theprocessing unit. The processing unit synchronizes the operations andexecutes the instructions based on the timing signals generated by theclock chip. The embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed hereincan be implemented through at least one software program running on atleast one hardware device and performing network management functions tocontrol the elements. The methods shown in the FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and theFIG. 7 include various units, blocks, modules, or steps described inrelation with methods, processes, algorithms, or systems of the presentdisclosure, which can be implemented using any general purpose processorand any combination of programming language, application, and embeddedprocessor. Further, the memory module 918 is also configured to storeinformation related to UE operation. The memory module 918 can beconfigured to store various configurations like minimum systemconfiguration received in MIB, system information table (SIT) receivedin response message or acquired from broadcast, measurementconfiguration, etc received from the 5G eNB 103. The radio resourcemanagement module 920 in the UE 102 is responsible for various aspectslike cell level mobility and beam level mobility etc. The radio resourcemanagement module 920 in the UE 102 may be configured to evaluate thecell selection/re-selection handover events based on the BRSmeasurements and perform CSI-RS RSRP measurements respectively. Thedisplay module 922 in the UE 102 can be configured so that user caninput information or information can output on the display for the userto understand some UE operations when the UE is operating in dualconnectivity mode of operation. Most of the UE operations aretransparent to the user and may not need user input nor output on thedisplay.

When the embodiments are implemented by software, firmware, middleware,or a microcode, a program code, or code segments, they can be stored ina machine-readable medium, such as a storage component. The code segmentmay indicate a procedure, a function, a sub program, a program, aroutine, a sub routine, a module, a software package, a class, or arandom combination of commands, data structures, or program descriptionsentences. The code segment may be coupled with another code segment ora hardware circuit by transmitting and/or receiving information, data,factors, parameters, or memory contents. The information, factors,parameters, and data may be transmitted using an arbitrary proper meansincluding memory sharing, message transmission, token transmission, andnetwork transmission.

In order to realize the software, the technologies described herein maybe implemented as modules (for example, processes, functions and thelike) performing the functions described herein. Software codes may bestored in memory units and executed by processors. The memory units maybe implemented inside or outside the processor. In this case, the memoryunits can be access the processor to be communicable through variousmeans known in the art. Although the present disclosure has beendescribed with an exemplary embodiment, various changes andmodifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for provisioning Minimum SystemInformation (MSI) for a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communicationsystem, the method comprising: decoding a Primary Broadcast Channel(PBCH) to acquire a first Master Information Block (MIB) periodicallytransmitted by a base station; and determining to perform one of:barring a cell from which the first MIB is acquired for a pre-determinedperiod of time, or acquiring a second MIB transmitted on a SecondaryBroadcast Channel (SBCH) by a base station based on the cell barringindication received in the first MIB.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe cell from which the first MIB is acquired is barred for apre-determined period of time when the received cell barring indicationis enabled.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second MIB is referredas System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1), the SBCH is a physicaldownlink shared channel (PDSCH) scheduled by a physical downlink controlchannel (PDCCH) and the PBCH is a non-scheduled downlink broadcastchannel.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first MIB is stored whenthe received cell barring indication is disabled and the second MIB isacquired based on scheduling information received in the first MIB. 5.The method of claim 4, further comprising determining to perform one of:considering the cell from which the second MIB is acquired as acandidate cell for camping, or barring the cell for a pre-determinedperiod of time.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the cell is barred fora pre-determined period of time when the second MIB is not acquired. 7.The method of claim 5, wherein the cell is considered as the candidatecell for camping based on at least one of: essential system informationparameters for cell selection and cell access are received in the secondMIB, or when the essential system information parameters are notreceived in the second MIB and the UE has valid stored essential systeminformation parameters for cell selection and cell access correspondingto at least one of a the system configuration index (SCI), a valuetag, aGlobal Cell Identity (GCI) and an area identifier associated with thesecond MIB, and wherein the UE has obtained the valid stored essentialsystem information parameters from another cell or another frequency. 8.The method of claim 7, further comprising applying at least one cellselection parameter to camp on a cell from which the first MIB and thesecond MIB are acquired, wherein the at least one cell selectionparameter is used from the information received in one of the second MIBand the valid stored essential system information, and wherein the validstored essential information corresponds to at least one of: the SCI,the valuetag, the GCI, or the area identifier.
 9. The method of claim 8,further comprising: storing the second MIB, at least one of the SCI, thevaluetag, the GCI, or the area identifier associated with the secondMIB; accessing the camped cell based on at least one of a random accessparameter received in the acquired second MIB and valid stored essentialsystem information, wherein the valid stored essential informationcorresponds to at least one of the SCI, the valuetag, the GCI, or thearea identifier; determining whether at least one of a SI block of OtherSystem Information (OSI) available in the camped cell is provided basedan on-demand basis, wherein the on-demand basis to deliver the SI blockof the OSI available in the camped cell is decided based on at least oneof an indication and a flag received in the second MIB; and transmittinga request message to the base station to obtain at least one SI block ofthe OSI.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the transmitting of therequest message to the base station to obtain at least one SI block ofthe OSI comprises determining reservation of one of at least onephysical random access channel (PRACH) preamble and a plurality of PRACHresources, and wherein the reservation of PRACH preambles and PRACHresources is indicated in the second MIB.
 11. A user equipment (UE)provisioned to acquire Minimum System Information (MSI) in a wirelesscommunication system, the UE is configured to: decode a PrimaryBroadcast Channel (PBCH) to acquire a first Master Information Block(MIB) periodically transmitted by a base station; and determine toperform one of: bar a cell from which the first MIB is acquired for apre-determined period of time, or acquire a second MIB transmitted on aSecondary Broadcast Channel (SBCH) by a base station based on a cellbarring indication received in the first MIB.
 12. The UE of claim 11,wherein the cell from which the first MIB is acquired is barred for apre-determined period of time when the received cell barring indicationis enabled.
 13. The UE of claim 11, wherein the second MIB is referredas System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1), the SBCH is a physicaldownlink shared channel (PDSCH) scheduled by a physical downlink controlchannel (PDCCH) and the PBCH is a non-scheduled downlink broadcastchannel.
 14. The UE of claim 11, wherein the first MIB is stored whenthe received cell barring indication is disabled, and wherein the secondMIB is acquired based on scheduling information received in the firstMIB.
 15. The UE of claim 14, wherein the UE is further configured todetermine to perform one of: consider the cell from which the second MIBis acquired as a candidate cell for camping, or bar the cell for apre-determined period of time.
 16. The UE of claim 15, wherein the UE isfurther configured to bar the cell for a pre-determined period of timewhen the second MIB is not acquired.
 17. The UE of claim 15, wherein theUE is further configured to consider the cell as the candidate cell forcamping based on at least one of: essential system informationparameters for cell selection and cell access are received in the secondMIB, or when the essential system information parameters are notreceived in the second MIB and the UE has valid stored essential systeminformation parameters for cell selection and cell access corresponds toat least one of a system configuration index (SCI), a valuetag, a globalcell identity (GCI) and an area identifier associated with the secondMIB received in the second MIB, and wherein the UE has obtained thestored essential system information parameters from another cell oranother frequency.
 18. The UE of claim 17, wherein the UE is furtherconfigured to apply at least one cell selection parameter to camp on acell from which first MIB and second MIB are acquired, wherein the UE isconfigured to use at least one cell selection parameter from theinformation received in one of the second MIB and the valid storedessential system information, and wherein the valid stored essentialsystem information corresponds to at least one of the SCI, the valuetag,or the GCI, or the area identifier.
 19. The UE of claim 18, wherein theUE is further configured to: store the second MIB, at least one of theSCI, the valuetag, the GCI, or the area identifier associated with thesecond MIB; access the camped cell based on at least one of a randomaccess parameter received in the acquired second MIB and the validstored essential system information corresponding to at least one of theSCI, the valuetag, the GCI, or the area identifier; determine whether atleast one of a SI block of Other System Information (OSI) available inthe camped cell is provided based an on-demand basis, wherein theon-demand basis to deliver the SI block of the OSI available in thecamped cell is decided based on at least one of an indication and a flagreceived in the second MIB; and transmit a request message to the basestation to obtain at least one SI block of the OSI.
 20. The UE of claim19, wherein the UE is configured to transmit the request message to thebase station to obtain at least one SI block of the OSI by determiningreservation of one of at least one physical random access channel(PRACH) preamble and a plurality of PRACH resources, and wherein thereservation of PRACH preambles and PRACH resources is indicated in thesecond MIB.